OPEN SCIENCE AND OPEN ACCESS: APPLICATIONS AND PERCEPTIONS AMONG FACULTY RESEARCHERS OF THE UFRN CENTER OF TECHNOLOGY.
Open Science; Open Access; Scientific Publishing; Perceptions of Research Teachers; Publishing Practices.
Understanding how the perceptions of faculty researchers at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte's Technology Center influence their scientific publishing practices was the central objective of this study, particularly regarding the choice between publishing in open or restricted access. Based on the premise that Open Science represents a paradigmatic shift in the production, sharing, and dissemination of knowledge, the research investigated how these researchers understand and relate to this movement. A case study method was adopted, combining scientometric analysis of the scientific production of a stratified sample of faculty and the administration of a structured questionnaire to representatives of the Center's 12 departments, which offers 15 undergraduate programs and 14 graduate programs. The results showed that, although many faculty demonstrate familiarity with concepts related to Open Science, most publications still occur in restricted access journals. Statistical analysis indicated no significant association between positive perceptions of Open Science and the effective adoption of open access practices, revealing the influence of institutional, disciplinary, and academic evaluation factors on these decisions. The study identified barriers such as lack of incentives, technical difficulties, and fear of data exposure, and presented guidelines for creating an institutional action plan that includes training, integration of academic systems with repositories, review of faculty evaluation criteria, and encouragement of open publishing. The research contributes to understanding the dynamics underlying the adoption of Open Science in Brazilian public institutions, providing insights for more effective policies aligned with the democratization of scientific knowledge.