OSCAR - Open ScienCe Aeronautic and Air Transport Research

Background

Aeronautics research is a key element of the European research landscape. Because of its transdisciplinarity and societal relevance, European aeronautics research has a major socio-economic impact. Through the EU project »OSCAR – Open ScienCe Aeronautic & Air Transport Research«, launched in 2019, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is making an important contribution to promoting Europe's competitiveness and ensuring its future.

The project partners of the OSCAR project are investigating how Open Science can be implemented in European aeronautics research. This undertaking is particularly ambitious because aeronautics research relies relatively often on non-disclosure agreements when dealing with intellectual property.

Open Science has some major advantages over traditional ways of doing science. Especially in the early stages of technology maturity, the open exchange of knowledge is often beneficial for all stakeholders. Open science can increase the quality of scientific results and build trust by creating transparency and accountability. Additionally, Open science can also help to shorten innovation cycles.

Goal

The aim of the OSCAR project is to harmonise the practices of Open Science with conventional contractual practices and regulations in the project context. This is done in three steps:

1. Analysis of the potentials and challenges in opening up aeronautical research and transport.
2. Development of the »Open Science Code of Conduct«, which is compatible with current project contracts.
3. Deriving from the results, the aim is to initiate a paradigm shift in aeronautics research.

Role of Fraunhofer IRB

Fraunhofer IRB contributes its Open Science expertise to the OSCAR project, analyses the existing legal framework and develops the Open Science Code of Conduct. At the end of the project, this Code of Conduct will be introduced into the aeronautics research community and further developed there.

Results

The OSCAR project has helped to foster open science in European aeronautics research. Fraunhofer IRB, together with the project partners, has developed an open science code of conduct, which is the first of its kind. Furthermore, Fraunhofer IRB, together with the project partners, has developed a guide for the implementation of the OSCAR open science code of conduct in European projects.

Additionally, OSCAR was, proactively engaged in the 11^th EASN International Conference on Innovation in Aviation & Space to the Satisfaction of the European Citizens. The OSCAR project also collaborated with the BEOPEN project and organised a joint final event.

Further results of the project are published directly on the main website OSCAR.