The award can be given to people who use or research Open Science practices as well as to projects or initiatives that promote the use of Open Science practices. Projects and initiatives can be ongoing, or completed within the last 5 years. Projects and initiatives that fulfil one of the following criteria, for example, are eligible:

• Making research results freely available, including publications, research data and materials or software/analysis scripts. E.g. by sharing on appropriate online platforms/repositories or after digitisation in collections.
• Utilising alternative publication and peer review models to make the dissemination and certification of research results faster and more transparent. E.g. registered reports, preregistrations, open peer review, preprints.
• Improving the reproducibility of scientific research, e.g. by increasing the amount and quality of published information required to reproduce research results. E.g. use of reproducible data processing and analysis methods.
• Development or use of (online) tools to increase the transparency of research processes and methods. E.g. development or use of reporting and metadata standards.
• Use of open collaborative methods and tools to increase efficiency and widen participation in research. E.g. involving citizens, ensuring inclusion and diversity or forms of science communication such as science blogs, popular science lectures, project websites.
• Raising awareness of open science, e.g. through events, programmes, educational and training tools.

• Individuals or groups: Applications are open to both individuals and groups. In the case of group applications, the application is made by one person who applies on behalf of the group to which the prize is paid and who undertakes to divide the prize money in agreement with the group.
• Members and affiliates of the UOL: Applicants must be members or affiliates of the UOL at the time of application. As open science practices can be used and promoted by various status groups, applications are open to scientists, technical and administrative staff, doctoral candidates and students.

The application can be submitted in German or English. Please comment on the three criteria listed below in general terms. The more specific the information, the easier it will be for the jury to make a shortlist and a final decision.

Brief description (max. 300 words): What is the project/initiative about? If applicable, please explain the following points:

• Overview: What are the main objectives of the project or initiative (in terms of Open Science and beyond, if applicable)? Who is the target group? What are the main activities that have been carried out?
• Context: What prompted you to realise this project or initiative?
• Obstacles and solutions: What challenges have you faced so far? Have these been solved? If so, how?

Impact (max. 300 words): What has the project or initiative achieved so far? If applicable, explain the following points:

• Benefits: What benefits have been achieved by this project (so far) and for whom?
• Lessons learnt: What lessons have you learnt (so far) through your work?

Reusability (max. 300 words): What steps have been taken to enable others to re-use this project or initiative? If applicable, please explain the following points:

• What steps have you taken or will you take to make the project or initiative available to others?
• Can the project or initiative, its structure and results be easily found online? If yes, where (URL)
• Can the project or initiative be reused in other departments or institutions?

The jury consists of the Chair of the UGO, the Vice President for Research and Transfer, a student representative and two other university members with expertise in the field of Open Science. The UGO Executive Board decides on the awarding of the prize - without recourse to legal action - on the recommendation of the jury.