Grassroots networks can help implement and harmonize open research efforts

Grassroots networks are peer-led, bottom-up initiatives that can drive meaningful change in research reform. Norwegian Reproducibility Network (NORRN), a nation-wide initiative after the model from similar networks around the world, is an example of a grassroots network where a community of researchers works together towards more transparent, rigorous and robust research. By connecting with other researchers, librarians and research support staff across Norwegian universities and colleges as well as various stakeholders, including higher-education institutions and research funders, NORRN aims to help implement and harmonize open and reproducible research efforts across the country. In this paper, we describe the origins, mission, and structure of NORRN and similar networks, as well as successes, challenges and future directions of NORRN’s efforts that show a critical role of grassroots initiatives in supporting research improvement.