The Estonian Research Council (ETAG) supports Estonian science and innovation. It is responsible for fostering a balanced, high-quality, and internationally competitive research, development, and innovation (RDI) system in Estonia, while also contributing to the development of a knowledge-based and sustainable society. ETAG is a key promoter of Open Science objectives in Estonia.
Estonian Research Council:
Funds Estonian research through research and mobility grants
Supports the development and implementation of research and innovation policies
Promotes international research cooperation
Introduces and popularizes Estonian science both nationally and internationally
In 2015, the Open Science Expert Commission was established to support the work of the Estonian Research Council. The Commission drafted a document outlining Open Science principles and policy recommendations. This document provides a systematic overview of the field, introducing key principles of Open Science, highlighting major policy decisions, and proposing possible actions. Its aim is to create a coherent framework for addressing Open Science in Estonia and to support the development of a national strategy and institutional policies.
From the perspective of Open Science, it is important to note that the Estonian Research Council does not require the results of funded research projects to be published in open access journals. Researchers are free to choose their publication venues, and publication fees may be covered from grant funds if desired. Additionally, ETAG does not mandate that research data generated through funded projects be deposited in repositories or published as open data. However, proper data management is expected, and submission of a data management plan is required. During the evaluation of grant applications, ETAG’s Ethics Committee and Data Management Expert Commission may provide recommendations regarding the publication of research data.
The European Commission supports research and innovation through the Horizon Europe programme. Funding opportunities under the programme are defined in dedicated work programmes. Open Science is a legal requirement in Horizon Europe, with the aim of enhancing transparency and trust for the benefit of both research and EU citizens. The programme includes two mandatory practices, guided by the principle “as open as possible, as closed as necessary”: open access to publications and open access to research data. In addition, there are several recommended practices to consider when relevant. These requirements are outlined in the standard application form and the Horizon Europe programme guide, both of which must be considered by applicants.
In addition to Horizon Europe, the European Commission also provides individual research grants. The European Research Council (ERC) offers funding to researchers of any nationality and in any field of research. The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) support researchers at all career stages, including doctoral candidates. ERC-funded projects are required to prepare data management plans and ensure open access to research outputs, typically through open access repositories.
Various other organisations and initiatives also offer programmes that promote and support Open Science practices.
