Hands-on Training on Open and Reproducible Science

Interdepartmental course for PhD students in the social, behavioural, and health sciences (2 ECTS)

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Course duration

3-day course on 1-3 December 2026, from 9am to 5pm.

Teachers

Jesper Wiborg Schneider (PS), Karolina Ścigała (PSY), Stefan Pfattheicher (PSY), Christian Truelsen Elbæk (MGMT), Janis Zickfeld (MGMT), Daniele Nosenzo (ECON), Yngwie Nielsen (CC), Nhu Do (MGMT/PS), Sonja Perkovic (MGMT).

Course content

Research following open science principles produces more reliable results, is more trusted by readers, and an increasing number of top journals now require adherence to open science principles. There is no doubt that open science principles are becoming more and more important.

This course is designed to equip PhD students with the necessary skills to navigate the open science space. It is a hands-on course, meaning that PhD students will learn how to apply open science in practice.

The course is relevant for those using experimental methods, correlational designs, or meta-analyses. The course is designed for, but not restricted to, PhD students in the social, behavioural, and health sciences.

Particular attention will be paid to sample size justification (i.e., power analysis), pre-registration, meta-analysis, registered reports, and data sharing and management. The course will also provide an opportunity for students to ask questions, exchange perspectives and concerns, and discuss practices and current developments.

The course aims to provide

• Understanding the advantages and importance of following open science practices for one’s own research as well as science as a whole.
• Concrete tools and a practical introduction to open science practices: pre-registration, registered reports, power analysis, meta-analysis and bias detection, and data management and sharing.
• Know-how for including open science practices in one’s own research.
• An opportunity to get feedback on a pre-registration and a power analysis of one’s own project.
• Discussion about challenges, concerns, and limitations of open science practices.

The preliminary schedule is available here: kortlink.dk/2uuab 

Literature

Pre-course preparation includes reading the course curriculum. Relevant texts will be made available to participants in advance, helping to enhance their understanding throughout the course.

Language

English.

Evaluation

As a take-home assignment, each student will analyse a published article or pre-print of their choice (their own or by someone else) in terms of the extent to which it follows open science principles and reflect on possible improvements.

Target group 

PhD students from all faculties and universities are welcome.

Venue 

Aarhus University, TBA.

Coordinator(s)

Karolina Ścigała (PSY), Janis Zickfeld (MGMT).

Deadline for applying 

31 October 2026.

Maximal number of participants 

20

Applying for the course 

Please complete the online application form.