20 concepts to understand OpenEU

The OpenEU Dictionary distills the key ideas and values at the heart of our internal policies into clear, accessible concepts that anyone can understand and apply. These 20 concepts help us build a shared framework that empowers each university to act locally while contributing to a stronger, unified OpenEU.

Ethical & Green Digital Practices

Digital Ethics

Principles guiding responsible use of digital technologies.
Why does it matter? It protects rights, trust, and academic integrity.

Ecological Footprint

The environmental impact of digital education, research, and administration.
Why does it matter? Raises awareness of low-impact, sustainable digital practices.

Digital Rights

Fundamental rights in the digital era (access, transparency, control).
Why does it matter? Embedded as a core principle of OpenEU.

AI Act

EU law for safe and trustworthy artificial intelligence.
Why does it matter? Prevents risks and biases in educational AI.

GDPR

EU’s General Data Protection Regulation.
Why does it matter? Safeguards privacy and personal data across institutions.

Digital Inclusion

Equal access to technology, skills, and opportunities.
Why does it matter? Reduces the digital divide and promotes equity.

Data Ethics Charter

Shared commitment to responsible data use and governance.
Why does it matter? Aligns partners under common ethical standards.

Circular Economy in IT

Extending the lifecycle of hardware through reuse and recycling.
Why does it matter? Reduces e-waste and supports sustainability.

Inclusive Gender Equality

Inclusive Gender Equality

Equality that considers intersections of gender with other inequalities.
Why does it matter? Creates fairer and more representative universities.

Gender Mainstreaming

Integrating a gender perspective into all policies and processes.
Why does it matter? Prevents equality from being isolated or symbolic.

Intersectionality

Framework for analysing overlapping systems of discrimination (gender, ethnicity, age, class, etc.).
Why does it matter? Prevents one-size-fits-all solutions and drives real change.

Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity: representation / Inclusion: meaningful participation
Why does it matter? Essential for innovative teaching and research.

Non-Discriminatory Language

Communication free from bias or discrimination based on race, gender, ability, or ethnicity.
Why does it matter? Shapes gender-equitable narratives and everyday practices.

Inclusive Gender Equality Plan (IGEP)

Roadmap for turning commitments into action.
Why does it matter? Makes equality operational and measurable.

Underrepresented Groups

Women in STEAM, students with migrant/refugee background, learners with disabilities, residents of sparsely populated areas.
Why does it matter? These are OpenEU’s priority groups for inclusion.

Open Science & Innovation

Open Access

Definició: Publishing research results freely available online.
Why does it matter? Ensures knowledge benefits everyone.

FAIR Data

Data that is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable.
Why does it matter? Facilitates validation and future use.

Openness Principle

“As open as possible, as closed as necessary”.
Why does it matter? Foundation of OpenEU’s research ethos.

Citizen Science

Active involvement of citizens in research projects.
Why does it matter? Brings science closer to society and increases impact.

Green Open Access

Depositing a manuscript in an institutional or thematic repository.
Why does it matter? Ensures long-term access and reuse.

Gold Open Access

Publishing directly in an open access journal.
Why does it matter? Maximises visibility from day one.

Data Management Plan (DMP)

Document describing how research data are collected, stored, shared, and preserved.
Why does it matter? Increases transparency and scientific quality.