UNESCO has launched a global online consultation to develop a global recommendation on open science. The deadline to participate is June 15.
In the context of pressing planetary and socioeconomic challenges, sustainable and innovative solutions require efficient, transparent and dynamic scientific efforts, not only from the scientific community, but from the entire society.
To ensure that science truly benefits people and the planet and leaves no one behind, the entire scientific process needs to be transformed. Open science is a movement that aims to make science more open, accessible, efficient, democratic and transparent. Driven by unprecedented advances in our digital world, the transition to open science allows scientific information, data and products to be more accessible (open access) and exploited more reliably (open data) with active participation of all interested parties (openness to society).
By encouraging science to be more connected to the needs of society and promoting equal opportunities for all (scientists, innovators, policymakers and citizens), open science can mark a turning point in realizing the human right to science and reduce differences in science, technology and innovation between and within countries.
However, in the fragmented scientific and political environment, there is still a lack of a comprehensive understanding of what open science means, as well as the opportunities it offers and the challenges it poses. Consequently, UNESCO is taking the lead in creating a global consensus on open science, which includes a common definition, a set of shared values and proposals for action.
Among others, its preparation will be part of the work of monitoring the Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers of 2017.
Are you a scientist, editor, science policy maker, or someone interested in open science?
Over the next two years, input will be sought from all regions and all stakeholders, through open online consultations, regional and thematic meetings and numerous debates on the consequences, benefits and challenges of open science around the world.
For the particular case of online consultation, we invite you to complete the form available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7Z599JP.
The process is supported by a global alliance on open science and is expected to lead to the development of a dynamic community of exchange of practice in open science around the world. We invite you to join it and track your results here: https://en.unesco.org/science-sustainable-future/open-science,
With your active participation you will contribute to making science more connected to the needs of society and promoting equal opportunities for all (scientists, innovators, policymakers and citizens).