1. “Challenging but worth it!” : the purpose of participatory research in urban health, an evaluation and derived frameworkMaria Alejandra Rubio, Rok Novak, Laura Hidalgo, Jill Litt, Don Slater, David Kocman, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Participatory approaches are becoming paramount to harness the relationship between researchers, government, industry, and civil society to inform programs and policies. However, variability in implementation and limited standardized reporting hinder the systematic evaluation of their effectiveness. This study characterizes participatory methodologies in urban health research and proposes a framework for evaluating and reporting such approaches. Using an explanatory sequential design, this study evaluated 20 participatory pilot studies from the Urban Health Cluster (Horizon 2020 European Commission Programme), combining survey data and semi-structured interviews with project leads. The analysis identified four primary purposes for participatory methods: to assess health-environment correlations; raise awareness; co-create interventions; and assess health-related effects. Case studies exemplify each of these purposes. Findings informed a “purpose framework” nested within a theory-of-change model, which clarifies the rationale behind participatory approaches and maps their processes and intended impacts. The framework includes indicators for purpose, stakeholder involvement, participation mechanisms, facilitators, challenges, expected outcomes, and evaluation strategies, reported across all 20 projects. Public authorities (90 %) and civil society (85 %) are the most frequently engaged stakeholders, typically involved during project identification and deployment. Engagement was facilitated by shared motivation to address local needs, while long-term commitment posed challenges. Our results highlight the limited use of theory-of-change models in current practice and the value of structured frameworks for enhancing the reproducibility and transformative impact of participatory urban health research. The proposed framework can help align participatory methods with a theory of change and foster more effective urban health transformations.
Keywords: participatory research, public engagement, standardized reporting, urban health
Published in DiRROS: 03.12.2025; Views: 87; Downloads: 45
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2. Global Impacts Dataset of Invasive Alien Species (GIDIAS)Sven Bacher, Ellen Ryan-Colton, Mario Coiro, Phillip Cassey, Bella S. Galil, Martin A. Nuñez, Michael Ansong, Katharina Dehnen-Schmutz, Georgi Fayvush, Romina D. Fernandez, Maarten De Groot, 2025, complete scientific database of research data Abstract: We present the Global Impacts Dataset of Invasive Alien Species (GIDIAS), a global dataset of 22865 records including impacts of invasive alien species on nature, nature’s contributions to people, and good quality of life. Records include positive and negative impacts, neutral impacts (studies were carried out, but no impacts were documented), non-directional impacts (i.e., change without detriments or benefits for native species or people), and finally, some records of alien species where no studies were found that assessed their impacts (indicating data gaps). Records cover 3353 invasive alien species from all major taxa (plants, vertebrates, invertebrates, microorganisms) and all continents and realms (terrestrial, freshwater, marine). The data were compiled to serve as robust evidence for chapter 4 “Impacts of invasive alien species on nature, nature's contributions to people, and good quality of life” of the global assessment report on invasive alien species by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES; available on Zenodo at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7430731). The dataset is provided in a machine-readable CSV file (file name GIDIAS_20250417_machine_read.csv), with special language characters retained where used (UTF-8 format). The dataset is also provided in Excel format (file name GIDIAS_20250417_Excel.xlsx). Metadata is provided in Excel format, including descriptors for each variable (file name GIDIAS_metadata_20250417.xlsx). Additional explanations for GIDIAS is stored in Microsoft Word format (docx) and contains (1) a short description of the principles of Environmental and Socio-Economic Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT, SEICAT), (2) a description of the variables included in the Global Impacts Dataset of Invasive Alien Species GIDIAS, and (3) a compilation of the search strategies and datasets included in the Global Impact Dataset of Invasive Alien Species (GIDIAS).
Keywords: invasive alien species, research data
Published in DiRROS: 01.12.2025; Views: 133; Downloads: 55
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3. Project management digitalisation of the clinical research at the University Medical Centre : good practice of using REDCap as a digitalisation toolZdenko Garaševič, Franc Strle, Martina Jaklič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Objective: The digital tool REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) was implemented at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana (UMCL) with the goal of digitalising and streamlining research processes. This study aimed to assess the efficiency and transparency of clinical research following the implementation of REDCap. Methods: The implementation of REDCap for funded research began in 2021. It comprised four key steps: (I) the initial creation of Central Research Registry, followed by additional functionalities including (II) the establishment of the Central Database for ’Pre-Contract Activities’ for clinical trials; (III) the integration of Reporting on Research Progress directly into the Central Research Registry; and (IV) the development of a semi-automated Workflow for internal agreements. Results: Between 2021 and 2023, UMCL established a Central Research Registry using REDCap, transitioning from paper-based to digital data collection for over 2,500 research projects. These projects included clinical trials, national and international studies, as well as academic research. In addition to serving as a registry, the central system provided comprehensive data management, streamlined communication, and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders in clinical trial research at UMCL. The implementation of REDCap significantly reduced administrative burden and shortened the time required to finalise clinical trial agreements from 202 to 147 days. It also improved coordination, transparency, and real-time monitoring of research activities, facilitating more efficient research execution. Additionally, the digitalisation of internal agreements processes between researchers and stakeholders within UMCL improved coordination and expedited research execution timelines. Furthermore, REDCap enabled real-time monitoring of research progress, further contributing to the efficiency and transparency of research activities. Conclusion: The digitalisation of research processes using REDCap improved the organisation and execution of research, leading to greater efficiency and transparency, reduced administrative workload, and enhanced collaboration. This approach contributed to higher-quality research outcomes and ultimately benefited patient care.
Keywords: digitalisation, REDCap, clinical research, efficiency, transparency, research registry, data management
Published in DiRROS: 24.11.2025; Views: 163; Downloads: 71
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4. The process and procedures for the preparation of integrated maritime spatial planning : the case of SloveniaBarbara Goličnik Marušić, Andrej Gulič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This article explores the establishment of a maritime spatial planning (MSP) framework in Slovenia. Following revised spatial planning legislation and the Directive 2014/89/EU, Slovenia initiated the development of processes and procedures for integrated MSP. Drawing on a dedicated research project, the article presents a proposed methodology grounded in the ecosystem approach, forming a foundation for integrated land–sea interaction planning. The framework outlines a four‐phase process: (1) preliminary MSPlan preparation, (2) MSPlan preparation, (3) MSPlan monitoring and evaluation of implementation, and (4) ongoing MSPlan monitoring and updating. Each phase consists of independent or sequential steps, which are also linked procedurally between the phases. A central feature linking the preliminary and main preparation phases is stakeholder involvement. While the MSPlan preparation phase ensures broad stakeholder participation, the preliminary phase engages those representing strategic development or conservation interests. Experts and other stakeholder groups may also be involved directly in the planning process. The article concludes by evaluating the adopted Slovenian MSPlan, highlighting deviations from the proposed process and assessing the extent of its implementation in relation to the original plan. It also emphasises the importance of developing the MSP process and its procedures in parallel to ensure strong alignment and facilitate a smoother preparation of the final MSPlan.
Keywords: coastal governance, research, maritime spatial planning, North Adriatic Sea
Published in DiRROS: 20.11.2025; Views: 116; Downloads: 41
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6. Mapping temperature, humidity, air quality, and noise-related comfort conditions to identify urban planning issues : a case of study of Ljubljana, SloveniaŽiva Ravnikar, Alfonso Bahillo, Barbara Goličnik Marušić, 2025, original scientific article Keywords: public space, research, urban planning
Published in DiRROS: 20.11.2025; Views: 135; Downloads: 24
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7. Dataset on parameters of natural forest regeneration a decade after silvicultural treatment in Dinaric fir-beech forestsTanja Mrak, Janez Kermavnar, Lado Kutnar, Petr Baldrian, Nataša Šibanc, Vendula Brabcová, Tijana Martinović, David Lenarčič, Martina Štursová, 2025, complete scientific database of research data Keywords: research data
Published in DiRROS: 17.11.2025; Views: 184; Downloads: 0
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