The open science (OS) movement has been seen as an important facilitator for public participation in science. This has been underpinned by the assumption that widespread and free access to research outputs leads to (1) better and more efficient science, (2) economic growth, in particular for small and medium‐sized enterprises wishing to capitalise on research findings, and (3) increased transparency of knowledge production and its outcomes. The latter in particular could function as a catalyst for public participation and engagement. Whether OS is likely to help realise these benefits, however, will depend on the emergence of systemic incentives for scientists to utilise OS in a meaningful manner. While in some areas, the environmental sciences have a long tradition of open ethos, citizen inclusion and global collaborations, such activities need to be more systematically supported and promoted by funders and learned societies in order to improve scientific research and public participation.

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This article provides an overview of open research data and research data management in Horizon 2020. It describes the open research data pilot in Horizon 2020, which, as of 2017, has been extended to cover all thematic areas of Horizon 2020 ('open data as the default'). However, the Commission also recognises that there are also good reasons to keep data closed and thus allows individual opt-outs. Good research data management in a broader sense has emerged as a key issue in this context. The link between openness and general management of research data is provided by a key document mandatory for all Horizon 2020 projects which do not opt-out: the data management plan (DMP). In the 2016 update of the Horizon 2020 guidelines on data management it was made clear that the DMP should outline how projects make their data FAIR: findable, accessible, interoperable and re-usable. Initial experience with DMP assessment by research data management (RDM) experts in H2020 reveals that additional guidance on data management is needed for all groups of actors in research projects. Aspects such as data preservation, IPR or standards are too often not well developed in the DMPs that have been submitted so far. However, improved guidance and tools are expected to improve these competences. Nevertheless research projects with excellent RDM performance are not rare. Some high quality DMPs from H2020 projects have already been published online 1. While costs for data management can be covered by the beneficiaries and are fully eligible for reimbursement in Horizon 2020 many project participants need information about the adequate level of spending for data management in projects. At the moment, those projects opting out of opening their research data do not have to provide a DMP. The authors believe that in the future all projects should produce a DMP, even if they choose to keep some (or even all) of their data closed. In this case, the DMP should still address the curation and preservation of such data.

MoniQA (Monitoring and Quality Assurance in the total food supply chain) is an EU-funded Network of Excellence that involves experts from around the globe collaborating to harmonize worldwide food quality and safety monitoring and control strategies. The initial network of over 155 scientists from 20 countries has grown to over 400 experts from over 35 countries from five continents in the first 18 months. MoniQA focuses on validation of and performance criteria/requirements for methods used to analyse foods and food products for safety and quality, with the main focus being on rapid methods and their applicability and reliability in routine testing. The work involves validation guidelines, validation studies, design and development of reference materials/testing materials and validation guidelines. MoniQA will play an important role in integrating European and worldwide food quality and safety research by creating a virtual laboratory for joint research, training, dissemination and mobility programmes. It will allow and actively promote sharing of data and knowledge, as well as of equipment, materials and personnel through creation of a global platform for food Q&S researchers. MoniQA will enable shared access to the world's best research facilities, technological platforms, databases, analytical tools and knowledge. MoniQA's harmonized food quality and safety control strategies will add value in the food chain and will improve consumer confidence worldwide. MoniQA's socio-economic impact assessment will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of new food quality and safety regulations within the EU and worldwide.