About
Work packages
The lab's research is structured around five interrelated Work Packages (WPs). These WPs span different perspectives in the open government data ecosystem:
- Supply side (governments as information providers)
- Demand side (citizens, journalists, researchers)
- Information culture (norms, practices, values)
- Passive publication (e.g., via FOIA/Woo requests)
- Active publication (e.g., proactive disclosure)
Below is a matrix showing how each work package aligns with both the type of publication and the stakeholder perspective:
| Passive publication | Active publication | |
|---|---|---|
| Supply side | ||
| Demand side | ||
| Information culture |
WP1: Publishing FAIR Open Government Data
Supply side Passive Active
We investigate how governments can make their documents and data collections more Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR), not just for humans, but also for machines. This work focuses on the supply side of open government data.
WP2: Advanced Information Retrieval for Open Government Data
Demand side Passive Active
Recent developments in generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) are changing the way we search for information. For governments, it is crucial that this information is easily accessible to citizens, journalists, and researchers. This research focuses on developing techniques to improve the search experience for open government data. This includes exploring how conversational search can be applied to government information, and how LLMs can be used to generate more accurate and relevant answers based on government documents.
This research is being conducted by Maik Larooij, a PhD candidate at the OpenGov Lab. You can read more about his research on his page.
WP3: Advanced NLP for Open Government Data
Demand side Passive Active
Using cutting-edge Natural Language Processing (NLP), we study methods for summarization, simplification, and conversational exploration of government information. This enables better understanding and engagement with open government data.
WP4: Toward a FAIR Information Culture in Open Government
Supply side Information culture
We explore what it means to have a FAIR information culture in public institutions. This work bridges technology and society, and focuses on organizational practices and values that ensure information is usable by all.
WP5: Sources and Evidence in Open Government
Demand side Information culture
How can government information be managed in a way that is resilient to the influence of disinformation? This research examines the authoritativeness and evidentiary value of open government data and explores how these can be made more transparent and accountable within government information management practices.
This research is being conducted by Patricia Moeskops, a PhD candidate at the OpenGov Lab. You can read more about her research on her page.