New Topical Programme: University of Münster Advances International Replication Research

The Rectorate of the University of Münster has approved the joint research initiative “Anchoring International Replication Research through an Interdisciplinary Publishing Platform” for funding under the University’s strategic Topical Programmes line. The project is led by Dr. Lukas Röseler from the Münster Center for Open Science (MüCOS).

Replication research – the repetition of scientific studies using identical or new datasets – has gained increasing importance across disciplines in recent years. Low replication rates and ongoing methodological debates have sparked reform efforts, yet replication studies still face significant barriers to publication in established journals.

This is the gap the new initiative seeks to close: In collaboration with the international network FORRT (Framework for Open and Reproducible Research Training), the Münster Center for Open Science will launch a new open access journal titled Replication Research. The journal will champion transparency, reproducibility, and methodological openness – featuring published peer reviews, reproducibility checks, and freely accessible materials, data, and code. A key component of the project will be an interdisciplinary symposium in May 2025 to shape the journal’s thematic focus and strengthen its research community.

Through its Topical Programmes, the University of Münster strategically creates space for the development of emerging research areas. The funding line aims to identify promising themes for future large-scale collaborations, foster international partnerships, and expand scientific networks at an early stage.

Project proposals can be submitted on a rolling basis. Funding decisions are made based on external reviews and a recommendation by the University’s Research Advisory Board – typically within three months. The programme is coordinated by the Future Lab, which also provides comprehensive strategic and administrative support to funded projects throughout their duration.

Further Information:

Topical Programmes at the University of Münster
Journal Concept: Replication Research (Mock-up)