As a scientific institution, it is very important for Radboud University and Radboudumc to be well informed about the input, output and impact of the scientific research carried out within the institution. This research information is systematically collected in a research information system (CRIS; Current Research Information System), and serves as the basis for the institutions' research accountability.
It was investigated whether the current CRIS (Metis/RIS) is suitable as the future CRIS of Radboud University and Radboudumc. The information needs have changed partly from strategic goals of Radboud University (RDM policy, Open Science, Recognition and Rewards). It has been recommended to replace the CRIS.
What will change?
The implementation of a new CRIS means an immediate improvement for researchers and the university:
- Increased visibility and impact: Researchers will have a better understanding of their own research performance and will be able to make it more easily visible to peers, grantmakers and the general public.
- More efficient research administration: The new system reduces the administrative burden through automated links to other systems, minimising manual entry and duplicate recording.
- Better data quality and reporting: Researchers and policymakers can generate qualitative reports faster and more easily, helping with strategic choices and accountability.
- Easier collaboration and open science: The system is better aligned with national and international developments, facilitating collaboration with other institutions and the sharing of research data.
Not only is the system being renewed, but also the associated processes and the way research data is managed and used are being optimised.
Approach
Due to the scope of the project and the manageability of the different project outcomes, the project is divided into three sub-projects, which will be carried out as independent components, but all work towards a single final result: the replacement of CRIS.
- Subproject 1 - Processes and organisation
Establish new ways of working and support for researchers. - Subproject 2 - Purchase and implementation of new CRIS
Select and implement the new CRIS. - Subproject 3 - Transition of additional functionalities
Integration of existing tools such as ‘RIS for students’ and the DMP tool.
Planning
Phase 1 - Preparations (December 2024-April 2025)
- Information analysis: working out business needs and identifying which processes a new CRIS should support (subproject 1).
- Market exploration: gather information on the research information systems market and the solutions offered (subproject 2).
- Redesign non-CRIS functionality: investigate alternative solutions for non-standard CRIS functionality in Metis; ‘RIS for students’ and the ‘DMP tool’ (subproject 3).
Phase 2 - Acquisition of new CRIS (May - December 2025)
- Governance: draft process agreements and policy, proposal support structure (subproject 1).
- European tendering: preparation and execution of tender for new CRIS (sub-project 2).
- Redesign non-CRIS functionality: redesign ‘RIS for students’ and the ‘DMP tool’ (subproject 3).
Phase 3 - Implementation of new CRIS (2026)
- Governance: Setting up support organisation (subproject 1)
- Implementation: Configuration, links and migration of Metis data to the new CRIS (subproject 2).
- Redesign non-CRIS functionality: redesign ‘RIS for students’ and the ‘DMP tool’ (subproject 3).
Phase 4 - Going live and phasing out Metis (2027)
Commissioning of new CRIS.
Phase 5 - Aftercare (2027)
Recommend further development of CRIS (based on developments within and outside Radboud University and lessons learned).
Until the actual transition, the current system remains fully operational, and at go-live the transition to the new CRIS is made in one go with minimal impact for researchers and users.