Source: https://danish-repro.github.io/
Written by Mareike Buss
Philosophers of science and empirical researchers alike have throughout the past 20 years discussed reproducibility failures in a whole range of different disciplines. Some researchers have gone so far as to proclaim the existence of a veritable “reproducibility crisis” that undermines society’s trust in scientific research or the entire academic enterprise (e.g. Begley et al. 2015, Baker 2016).
The debates around reproducibility of research have over time become more sober and nuanced (e.g. Leonelli 2022, Munafò et al. 2022). Now, the focus is less on reproducibility in the narrow sense and more on constructively contributing to rigorous research practices in all disciplines.
In this context, the establishment of Reproducibility Networks plays an important role:
“A Reproducibility Network (RN) is a national, peer-led consortium of researchers that aims to promote and ensure rigorous research practices by establishing appropriate training activities, designing and evaluating research improvement efforts, disseminating best practice and working with stakeholders to coordinate efforts across the sector.”
The Danish Reproducibility Network (DKRN) was established in early 2023. DKRN’s launch event took place on August 24th, 2023, where around 50 researchers and research support staff from all eight Danish universities gathered at the University of Copenhagen to discuss reproducibility, transparency, open science, and how to move forward with developing DKRN as a national community for everybody interested in reproducibility (check out the event program).
An important insight from this event was that to be viable, DKRN needs backing by local initiatives at all participating universities.
The Research Data Management Support (RDM) at CBS Library facilitates the establishment of the local DKRN branch at CBS.
If you are interested in the topic and want to learn more about it, you can contact RDM Support Officer Mareike Buss.
References:
- Baker, M. (2016). 1,500 scientists lift the lid on reproducibility. Nature, 533, 452-454. https://doi.org/10.1038/533452a
- Begley, C., Buchan, A. & Dirnagl, U. (2015). Robust research: Institutions must do their part for reproducibility. Nature 525, 25-27. https://doi.org/10.1038/525025a
- Leonelli, S. (2022). Open Science and Epistemic Diversity: Friends or Foes? Philosophy of Science, 89(5), 991-1001. https://doi.org/10.1017/psa.2022.45
- Munafò, M.R., Chambers, C., Collins, A. et al. (2022). The reproducibility debate is an opportunity, not a crisis. BMC Research Notes 15, 43. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-022-05942-3