New Membership and Updated Terms of Reference for the National Open Research Monitor Advisory Group

The National Open Access Advisory Group has been in existence since early 2023. It was established to provide guidance on the development of the National Open Access Monitor and to ensure that the project was delivered in accordance with National Open Research Framework (NORF) requirements and in line with international best practice. 

As part of the next phase of development, the Monitor will expand its scope to include a broader range of Open Research indicators, supporting a more comprehensive, transparent, and trusted picture of Open Research practices across Ireland. 

In light of this transition, it was timely to review both the membership and the Terms of Reference of the Advisory Group. The updated Terms of Reference reflect the expanded remit of the Monitor and formalise the group’s role in providing strategic oversight, advising on functionality and prioritisation, supporting community engagement, and benchmarking the Monitor against emerging international standards. 

All existing members of the Advisory Group have been active contributors since early 2023, providing invaluable expertise and guidance during the establishment phase of the Monitor. This review ensures that members are happy to continue in their roles while also expanding the breadth of expertise represented on the group to support the growing Open Research agenda. 

Welcoming New Members 

IReL is pleased to welcome the following new members to the National Open Research Monitor Advisory Group: 

• Clare Dillon 

• Michael Foley 

• Dermot Lynott 

• Joan Murphy 

• Sally Smith 

“We are delighted to welcome new members to the Advisory Group whose contributions will be invaluable as the Monitor evolves to provide a more comprehensive, transparent, and trusted picture of Open Research across the Irish research landscape. These appointments strengthen the Group by bringing additional expertise in Open Research infrastructure, reproducibility, research assessment reform, and community led initiatives.”  

– Susan Reilly, Director of IReL 

Advisory Group Membership 

The National Open Research Monitor Advisory Group is convened and chaired by IReL and draws its membership from across the Irish Open Research community, including higher education institutions, national research infrastructure providers, and funding bodies. 

Current membership includes: 

• Susan Reilly, IReL (Chair) 

• Aaron Binchy, IReL (Coordinator) 

• Caleb Dervan, University of Limerick 

• Kevin Kiely, Trinity College Dublin 

• Andrew Simpson, RCSI 

• Edie Davis, Research Ireland 

• Jenny O’Neill, HEAnet 

• Fran Callaghan, Maynooth University 

• Clare Dillon, Open Ireland Network 

• Michael Foley, ENGAGED, Trinity College Dublin 

• Dermot Lynott, Irish Reproducibility Network, Maynooth University 

• Joan Murphy, DARIAH, Trinity College Dublin 

• Sally Smith, CoARA, Trinity College Dublin 

Under the updated Terms of Reference, members will serve renewable three-year terms and meet regularly to advise IReL on the strategic direction, development, and performance of the National Open Research Monitor. 

The refreshed Advisory Group will play a key role in ensuring that the Monitor continues to evolve in line with national priorities, international best practice, and the needs of the Irish research community.