Open Science

LEST is committed to a process of open science aimed at making the results of the search more accessible, plus transparencies and reusable. This commitment relates to the broadcast publications, the sharing data analysis and the valuation scientific publications. The Open Science and Commercialisation Committee is a key driver of this approach: it underpins practices, gives structure to actions and helps to embed these issues within the operation from the laboratory.

A committee dedicated to research practices

The Open Science and Knowledge Transfer Committee provides a forum for discussion, coordination and support for LEST members. It brings together staff from different categories (researchers, lecturers and researchers, PhD students and support staff) in order to take account of the diversity of research practices and knowledge dissemination.

It supports the implementation of the principles of open science, taking into account the specific characteristics of the humanities and social sciences. It helps to shape a unified policy on data management, the dissemination of publications and the promotion of scientific resources.

The committee also ensures that these practices are carried out within a framework that complies with ethical, legal and scientific requirements, particularly with regard to data protection and the quality of research outputs. It works in collaboration with the relevant departments at the CNRS and Aix-Marseille University.

An approach enshrined in science policy

The initiatives undertaken at LEST are in line with national and institutional guidelines on open science. In particular, they align with the objectives set out by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, the CNRS and Aix-Marseille University in support of open access to publications and the sharing of research data.

LEST’s commitment in this field has been recognised through the «Open Research Data» Prize (special jury prize), awarded for work carried out as part of the Caen Panel, a longitudinal sociological survey. This award highlights the importance placed on the documentation, preservation and availability of data in the social sciences.

Objectives

The committee aims to support the laboratory’s members in developing their research practices by facilitating access to tools, resources and initiatives related to open science.

It helps to shape a policy of unity by supporting the development of open access publishing practices and sound data management. It also encourages the sharing and re-use of scientific resources, where possible.

Finally, it seeks to strengthen the shared culture surrounding these issues by promoting the exchange of best practice and supporting the ongoing changes in the ways in which knowledge is produced and disseminated.

Open Science Committee

Coordination

Members :

Héloïse Berkowitz
Thierry Berthet
Marie-Laure Harmand
Élisa Klüger
Ali Mounayad
Leslie Monnier
Guillaume Quiquerez

Practical guides

Research data management at LEST
Deposit in HAL as part of an open science initiative
Publishing in open formats

Seminars

« The challenges of open science in researchers’ practices researchers’ views », LEST General Seminar, Aix-en-Provence, Aix-en-Provence, 8 April 2024.

« Management of social science research data: what practices should be adopted as part of an open science approach? », LEST General Seminar, Aix-en-Provence, 19 June 2026.

Initiatives

«’Prize’’ Open research data science», Special Jury Prize for the Caen Panel data (Dec. 2025)
PCI Organisation Studies, Co-managing board : Héloïse Berkowitz, created in 2023

HAL Publications

A behind-the-scenes look at a longitudinal study on life courses and personal networks: the Caen panel (1995-2015). The Sociological Year, 2025, 75 (1), pp. 253–286. Claire Bidart, Anne Bonneville, Guillaume Garcia.

DataFocus on a longitudinal dataset comprising three surveys on factors relating to La Poste (2005-2018). DEMC Journal, 1(1). Paul Bouffartigue, P. (2023).

Opening Up Research Data: What Does It Mean for the Social Sciences? M@n@gement, 2022, 25 (4), pp. 1–15. Héloïse Berkowitz, Hélène Delacour.