Becoming an Open Science mental health research institute – building on lessons learned at the Douglas

June 14, 2023

On May 30, 2023, the Journal of the Psychiatry & Neuroscience published an article entitled ‘Opening up mental health research‘, written by Isabel Bacellar, Geneviève Morin, Sylvanne Daniels, Gustavo Turecki, Lena Palaniyappan, and Martin Lepage. The purpose of this article is to share the Douglas’ experience with other organizations in the spirit of open science. The article explores some of the challenges and potential solutions to consider when adopting Open Science in mental health research. 

Mental health disorders pose complex challenges that require accelerated discovery and development of effective treatments. Open Science offers a framework for collaboration and knowledge sharing that can address these challenges. The concept of Open Science, as defined by UNESCO, aims to make scientific knowledge accessible, reusable, and available to everyone, fostering scientific collaborations and benefitting society as a whole.

“We hope to inspire other institutions to build on our experience and join the Open Science movement in mental health research.”

– Isabel Bacellar, Open Science Project Coordinator

Open Science has the potential to accelerate global collaborations and advancements in understanding and treating mental health disorders. This article discusses the benefits and challenges of implementing Open Science in mental health research, with a focus on sensitive and diverse data types, co-designing projects with research participants, and integrating Open Science with mental health care. The authors present a case study of Douglas, which became the first Canadian research organization dedicated to mental health research to adopt Open Science principles at an institutional level. The article describes the journey of Douglas in adopting Open Science principles, emphasizing the importance of leadership commitment, finding resources and allies, identifying specific needs, and defining guiding principles. The Douglas has an Open Science team that has played a crucial role in this transformation and that is dedicated to supporting researchers.

Open Science research involves making research outputs, including data, publications, and tools, findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. While open data sharing can be highly rewarding, it also presents challenges, especially when dealing with different types of data. Animal model data may require technical solutions, such as standardizing data formats and using appropriate platforms, while handling sensitive data from vulnerable populations involves ethical and legal considerations. The article highlights the need for policies mandating transparency in research data management and data sharing.

Although concerns for data safety and participant confidentiality are valid, strategies can be employed to maximize data access while adhering to Legal and ethical responsibilities. The authors advocate for a codesigning approach that involves research participants and healthcare service users in shaping Open Science practices. Open Science also has the potential to drive innovation and data gathering through public-private partnerships and citizen science, further accelerating discoveries in mental health.

To read the article please follow the link.

To learn more about Open Science please follow the link.