Open Science Retreat 2025

13 Apr 2025, 14:00 → 17 Apr 2025, 17:30 Europe/Zurich

Harini Lakshminarayanan, Joyce Kao (Digital Research Academy), Rachel Heyard

Whether you are just getting started with Open Science or are already an open hero. 
Whether you are a researcher or provide research services. 
If you are ready for a week of new ideas, productivity and rebooting: this retreat is for you!

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WHAT IS THE OPEN SCIENCE RETREAT

The Open Science Retreat is a week full of scientific discussions and reflections, getting work done, making new friends and resetting. 

The Retreat follows an unconference model. Except for the plenary sessions, all activities are optional. All outputs of the various topic teams that arise are made publicly available. 

To get an idea of what kinds of things come from the OS Retreat, check out the ouputs of the 2024 edition in this Research Equals Collection and the outputs of the 2023 edition in this newsletter. More info can be found on the Open Science Retreat website or in this YouTube video. 

WE WANT YOUR WORKSHOP IDEAS!!!

While the majority of the retreat is in the unconference format, this year we want to source a few workshops from the community no longer than 2-3 hours to complement the program. We invite you to submit an abstract with your workshop idea on any topics related to open science, well-being, or career development!

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND AN OPEN SCIENCE RETREAT

• Learn from peers in different stages of their career, share insights and experiences in open science and build valuable collaborations. Be prepared to be inspired and challenged!
• Participate in a hands-on unconference style team in the mornings to develop practical skills in open science methodologies and more.
• Engage in thought-provoking discussions around the challenges and opportunities in implementing open science practices. Your voice matters!
• Benefit from coaching and join our mentoring scheme;
• Enjoy the serene and picturesque surroundings of our retreat location, the perfect backdrop for one-on-one talks, creativity, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

IMPORTANT DATES

Dec 10, 2024	Participation Applications & Workshop Abstract Submissions Open
Feb 5, 2025	Participation Applications & Workshop Abstract Submissions Close
Feb 14, 2025	Notifications of Participation, Travel Fellowships, Workshop Leaders

PARTICIPATION FEES

Inclusive in the participation fees are-

• Four night stay with views of the Swiss Alps (in most rooms).
• Full board from Sunday dinner to Thursday lunch.
• Free use of the Postbus to Interlaken and Habkern.

Also included

• Full unconference experience with lots of group work.
• Planned social activities and group outings in nature.
• One free entry into the indoor panorama swimming pool down the road.

ADULTS

SHARED ROOM OPTIONS	FEES
Shared Room with shared bathroom	475 CHF
Shared room with en-suite bathroom	550 CHF

SINGLE ROOM OPTIONS	FEES
Single room (double bed) w/ shared bathroom	575 CHF
Single room (twin bed) w/ en-suite bathroom	650 CHF
Single room (double bed) w/ en-suite bathroom	700 CHF

CHILDREN

Ages	Fees
12-15 years	320 CHF
6-11 years	250 CHF
0-5 years	Free

STIPENDS

Through various generous sponsors and other funds, we are able to offer several stipends to lower participation fees down to 295 CHF and in some cases completely cover participation fees altogether. Please indicate on your application if you would like to be considered for a fellowship.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

The Open Science Retreat has always been open to partners, spouses, and children* so bring them along! Our planned social activites are open to all participants and their families. The venue also has many child-friendly feature with a dedicated playroom for crafting and fun, playgrounds on the premises, and more.

*Please note that we currently do not provide childcare at the event so please make your own arrangements in this regard. We do connect families bringing children before the event to get to know each other and (unconference) organize activities together.

VENUE

Seminar für biblische Theologie 
Gästehaus 
Spirenwaldstrasse 356 
CH-3803 Beatenberg

The venue is easy to reach by public transit and also has free parking. It is also wheelchair-accessible. (More Info)

ORGANIZERS 2025

         

SPONSORS & FUNDERS

Sunday 13 April

Participants: Arrivals, Check-in and Welcome

Plenary Session: Welcome & Orientation

1 Welcome & Introductions

2 Retreat Overview & Information

3 Organizing Partner Presentations

Mealtime: Dinner

Plenary Session: Icebreaker - Getting to know each other

Social Time: Networking (optional)

Monday 14 April

Morning Activity: Yoga, run, swim meditation, etc. proposed by participants

Activities proposed by participants

Mealtime: Breakfast

Plenary Session: Unconference Planning

4 Welcome and Introduction

5 Swiss Open Research Data Strategy Council

6 Topic Presentations

10:30 Coffee Break

Plenary Session: Unconference Planning

7 Topic group formation

8 Topic group finalization & room assignments

12:00 Break

Mealtime: Lunch

Unconference: Topic Groups

Parallel Sessions

15:00 Coffee Break

Unconference: Topic Groups, Individual Career Coaching, Short Sessions

Parallel Sessions

9 Mentoring and Coaching

Make appointments with mentors/coaches on Mattermost and on the main schedule display onsite.

10 Topic Groups & Short Sessions

Plenary Session: Recap of the Day

18:00 Break

Mealtime: Dinner

Plenary Session: Neworking Activity

Social Time

Tuesday 15 April

Morning Activity: Yoga, run, swim meditation, etc. proposed by participants

Activities proposed by participants

Mealtime: Breakfast & Morning Stand Up

Unconference: Topic Groups

Parallel Sessions

10:15 Coffee Break

Unconference: Topic Groups & Workshop

Parallel Sessions

11 Advocate with Impact: Buildling Confidence and Mastering Negotiation in Open Science

Success in academia and open science is not just about groundbreaking research—it’s about advocating for your work, negotiating effectively, and communicating with confidence.

Yet, many Ph.D.s and open science researchers struggle with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or hesitancy to assert their ideas, especially in competitive or collaborative settings.

This workshop, led by executive coach Jamie Lee, equips researchers with the tools to confidently advocate for themselves, their ideas, and their contributions.

Drawing on evidence-based practical neuroscience and proven negotiation strategies, participants will learn to overcome the internal and external barriers that hinder self-advocacy.

Whether negotiating resources, pitching a project, or navigating interdisciplinary collaborations, this session will empower attendees to show up as credible and impactful leaders.

Through interactive exercises and real-world examples tailored to the open science community, participants will:

1. Reframe unhelpful thought patterns and shift from self-doubt to self-assurance in minutes.
2. Learn the fundamentals of negotiating effectively while preserving relationships.
3. Develop practical self-advocacy strategies for meetings, presentations, and collaborations.
4. Build confidence to navigate conflict and communicate with authority in challenging conversations.
5. Create a personalized toolkit for asserting their value and ensuring their voice is heard.

Jamie Lee, an executive coach specializing in self-advocacy and leadership, has helped professionals in high-stakes environments amplify their voices, lead with clarity, and achieve career-defining results. Her approach combines actionable tools with an understanding of the pressures unique to academia and research, empowering attendees to thrive in their roles.

Speaker: Jamie Lee

12 Topic Groups

Mealtime: Lunch & Announcements

Social Time: Recharging Time (e.g. Planned Hike, Excursions, etc.)

13 Choose your own adventure

Plan something on your own. Check out the Beatenberg tourism website for fun activities in the area: https://beatenberg.ch/tourismus/en/tourismus

14 Group Hike

Planned hike led by retreat organizers. Be sure to have sturdy walking shoes and pack your water bottle!

Speaker: Heidi Seibold (Digital Research Academy)

15 Swimming or Sauna

We'll be walking down the street to the panoramic indoor pool together for swimming with views of the Alps. There is a sauna available as well with an extra charge of 7 CHF to be paid directly at the pool entrance.

More info here: https://beatenberg.ch/tourismus/en/Indoor-swimming-pool-family

16:00 Coffee/Tea Time

Plenary Session: Recap of the Day

Mealtime: Dinner

Plenary Session: Slide Karaoke

Social Time

Wednesday 16 April

Morning Activity: Yoga, run, swim meditation, etc. proposed by participants

Activities proposed by participants

Mealtime: Breakfast & Morning Stand Up

Unconference: Topic Groups

Parallel Sessions

10:30 Coffee Break

Unconference: Topic Groups

Parallel Sessions

Mealtime: Lunch

Plenary Session: Setting goals for remaining time

Unconference: Topic groups, Short Sessions, Workshop & Individual Career Coaching

Parallel Sessions

16 Mentoring & Coaching

Make appointments on Mattermost and also the main schedule display.

17 Topic Groups & Short Sessions

Groups meet to work on unconference topics.

15:00 Coffee/Tea Time

18 OS Research Grants Workshop

Speaker: Joseph Corneli (Oxford Brookes University)

Plenary Session: Recap of the Day & Retreat Wrap Up Planning

18:00 Break

Mealtime: Dinner

Social Time

Thursday 17 April

Morning Activity: Yoga, run, swim meditation, etc. proposed by participants

Activities proposed by participants

Mealtime: Breakfast & Morning Stand Up

Unconference: Topic groups

Parallel Sessions

10:30 Coffee Break

Unconference: Topic Groups Wrap Up

Parallel Sessions

12:00 Break

Mealtime: Lunch & Announcements

Plenary Session: Presentations from Topic Groups

Plenary Session: Summary, Reflection, & Closing

Participants: Departure