Open Science News

On January 23, 2025, Data Matters 2025 will bring together strategic data leaders from the higher education (HE) and further education (FE) sectors at The Lowry, Salford Quays. This one-day event is dedicated to addressing the challenges and opportunities of a data-driven education landscape while navigating financial pressures and their impact on student outcomes.

Harnessing the Power of Data

As education becomes increasingly data-led, institutions must develop robust data capacity and expertise. At Data Matters 2025, leading experts will share their experiences of building strong data foundations and processes, showcasing innovative tools that have enhanced decision-making and supported the achievement of institutional goals.

Programme Themes

The event will explore three key themes:

• Vision and Strategy: Developing data strategies to improve student outcomes.
• Data-led Discovery: Utilizing insights to inform decision-making on service provision.
• The Value of Data: Leveraging research to drive innovation.

To view the complete event agenda, visit the Data Matters 2025 programme.

Target Audience

Data Matters 2025 is designed for strategic data leads in HE and FE sectors working in:

• Student services and academic development.
• Business intelligence, strategy, and planning.
• Careers, employability, and HR.

Though registration has now closed, this event promises to be a valuable platform for exploring data’s role in shaping the future of education and fostering innovation across institutions.

On Monday, January 13, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM GMT, Alexis Papazoglou’s renowned “The Philosopher and the News” series will host J. McKenzie Alexander for a thought-provoking online discussion titled “The Open Society as an Enemy.” This event, part of the “On Philosophy” series, promises to re-examine the values and challenges of the Open Society in today’s world.

Nearly eight decades ago, philosopher Karl Popper laid out a compelling defense of the Open Society in his seminal work The Open Society and Its Enemies. Popper’s vision championed the principles of liberal democracy, pluralism, and reason, offering a philosophical bulwark against authoritarianism and totalitarian ideologies. However, J. McKenzie Alexander, Professor of Philosophy at the London School of Economics, argues that these values are once again under siege.

The Open Society Under Threat

Alexander highlights how, in the years following the Cold War, the values that once defined the Open Society are now being reframed as liabilities. Populist movements on both the political left and right have eroded foundational liberal democratic ideals, transforming what were once seen as virtues into perceived dangers. The rise of populist agendas, with their appeals to identity, nationalism, and disinformation, presents a profound challenge to the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and reasoned debate that underpin the Open Society.

A Call for Rehabilitation

In the face of these growing threats, Alexander asserts that the concept of the Open Society must be rehabilitated and reimagined. This involves not only defending its original values but also advancing them in a way that resonates with contemporary challenges. By doing so, we can rethink the kind of society we aim to build—one that is both achievable and sustainable in the 21st century.

The Speaker and His Vision

J. McKenzie Alexander is a leading voice in modern philosophy, with research spanning evolutionary game theory, decision theory, and formal epistemology. His latest book, The Open Society as an Enemy, published by the LSE Press, offers a timely critique of the current state of liberal democracies and a roadmap for revitalizing the Open Society’s principles.

The Host: Alexis Papazoglou

Alexis Papazoglou, the event’s host, is the Managing Editor of the LSE British Politics and Policy blog and an established figure in philosophical discourse. Known for his engaging podcast The Philosopher and the News, Papazoglou brings complex philosophical debates into public conversation, making them accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.

Event Details

• Title: The Open Society as an Enemy
• Date: Monday, January 13, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM GMT
• Location: Online via Zoom
• Registration: Visit the event website for details.

For more information, visit J. McKenzie Alexander’s official website or explore his book, The Open Society as an Enemy, available through the LSE Press.

This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with pressing philosophical and political issues, challenging us to reconsider the fundamental principles that shape our societies. Join the conversation to explore how we can preserve and advance the ideals of the Open Society in an increasingly polarized world.

Are you tasked with implementing an Open Access (OA) publishing strategy or managing the day-to-day operations of an OA journal? If so, a practical, hands-on training course on Open Access publishing will be held on Tuesday, April 22, and Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Course Details

• Session Times:
  • 09:00-12:00 (EDT)
  • 14:00-17:00 (BST)
  • 15:00-18:00 (CEST)
  • Networking: 15 minutes before the second session on April 23.
• Note: Sessions will not be recorded.

What You’ll Learn

Participants will gain valuable tools and insights into the unique challenges of managing Open Access journals, with a focus on:

• The similarities and differences between OA and traditional subscription publishing.
• Open Access workflows, business models, and recent policy developments like Plan S.
• Building strong relationships with stakeholders in an OA context.
• Strategic considerations, including journal economics, pricing strategies, and marketing techniques for OA publications.
• Hands-on approaches for launching, converting, and expanding OA journals, using case studies and group discussions.

The course will also touch upon Green Open Access and alternative Gold OA models, with a primary focus on Gold OA journals using Article Publishing Charges (APCs).

Who Should Attend?

This training is ideal for:

• Journal publishing managers
• Publishing editors
• Production managers
• Publishers responsible for OA strategy and programme development

While prior awareness of the OA industry is helpful, it is not mandatory.

Programme Highlights

The course will cover topics such as:

• Introduction and Overview: History and types of OA, and why OA matters.
• Strategic Landscape: Global growth, drivers, funder mandates, and policies like Plan S.
• Ethics: Responsible publishing, best practices, and decision-making challenges.
• Marketing: Community engagement, stakeholder roles, APC justification, and branding.
• Business Models: Revenue models, payer dynamics, and impacts on the publishing business.
• Economics & Finance: OA profitability, pricing strategies, cost drivers, and financial modeling.
• Workflow & Compliance: Managing OA workflows, compliance issues, and development.
• Portfolio Review: Success factors, portfolio analysis, and journal development.

Expert Tutors

• Fiona Hutton – Head of Publishing, eLife Sciences Publications
• Dan Pollock – Consultant, Silicon Guru Ltd

Participants from previous sessions have praised the course’s depth and practical approach:

• “The tutors were knowledgeable, and the course covered a broad range of topics. It helped me better understand licensing and agreements I previously found confusing.” – Caitlin Alder, BMJ
• “This course regenerated my excitement about Open Access publishing while providing greater insight into its complexities.” – Helen Pedersen, John Wiley & Sons

Registration

• Member early bird rate ends: January 22, 2025

Equip yourself with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to excel in Open Access publishing. Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your expertise in this growing field!

On January 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM, the European Citizen Science (ECS) project will host a pivotal policy event, “Citizen Science Beyond 2030: Societal Engagement for a Sustainable Future.” This event will explore the significant role of citizen science in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shaping sustainability transitions for the future.

The Role of Citizen Science in Sustainability

Citizen science has proven its value in tackling global challenges by contributing monitoring data, raising public awareness, and inspiring behavioral change. This event will highlight progress made in utilizing citizen science to address sustainability goals and discuss strategies to enhance its impact both within the current SDG framework and beyond 2030.

Expert Panel Discussions

A distinguished panel of experts from academia, policymaking, and citizen science networks will guide discussions on strengthening citizen science for sustainable development. The panel includes:

• Michael Arentoft (DG Research & Innovation, European Commission)
• Dr. Dilek Fraisl (IIASA, Citizen Science Global Partnership)
• Professor Francois Grey (University of Geneva, Citizen Cyberlab)
• Professor Ariane König (University of Luxembourg)
• Professor Walter J. Radermacher (Federation of European National Statistical Societies)

Event Objectives

The event will:

• Assess progress made in leveraging citizen science for sustainability.
• Discuss how citizen science can adapt and expand its contributions to the SDGs beyond 2030.
• Highlight actionable recommendations to support citizen science initiatives through policies, resources, and networks.

About the ECS Project

The European Citizen Science (ECS) project, funded by the EU under Horizon Europe (August 2022 – July 2026), aims to strengthen citizen science as a research approach for scientific excellence and sustainable development across Europe. ECS fosters collaboration through:

• Networking events to connect stakeholders.
• A comprehensive platform offering resources and information.
• Capacity-building and training initiatives.
• Technical support for citizen science projects.
• Policy engagement to embed citizen science in sustainable development strategies.

This event represents a critical opportunity to shape the future of citizen science, ensuring it continues to empower communities and contribute meaningfully to a sustainable and equitable world.

SciLink Foundation is launching 2025 with their first webinar, “Advancing Integrity in Academia,” scheduled for January 17th, from 12–1 PM CET. This engaging session will feature two esteemed experts, Mariana Rosca, PhD, and Lluis Montoliu, PhD, who will share their insights on fostering ethical practices and transparency in academic research.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to building a culture of integrity in academia.

📅 Mark Your Calendars

• Webinar Date: January 17, 2025
• Time: 12–1 PM CET
• Where: Online

Stay tuned for their next webinar on January 30th—details coming soon!

🖥️ Register today and join in shaping the future of academic excellence!

Mark your calendars! State of Open Con 2025 (SOOCon 25) returns to London for its third year, promising to shape the conversation in the global open technology community. Hosted by OpenUK, this two-day, in-person event will bring together over 150 world-class speakers to discuss the latest in software, hardware, data, standards, and AI at the intersection of engineering, business, law, policy, and community.

A Unique Event for the Open Tech Community

SOOCon 25 has been called the conference that “brings the Bay Area to London,” and it’s easy to see why. The event features:

• Over 150 Global Experts: Learn from thought leaders across various open tech disciplines.
• Community Access: Free tickets for students and individuals between roles ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
• A Robust Job Board: Thanks to the Open Source Job Hub, attendees can explore job opportunities digitally before and after the event or visit the Careers Coaching Room for in-person guidance.
• Networking Opportunities: Meet the vibrant open tech community at 40 tables dedicated to connection and collaboration.

Don’t miss the Delegate Experience, which includes professional portrait photography by Tiana Lea and much more!

Event Details

• Dates: 4th February (9:30–18:00) and 5th February (9:30–17:00)
• Venue: Sancroft, Rose St, Paternoster Square, St Paul’s, London EC4M 7DQ
• Nearest Tubes: St Paul’s, Blackfriars, Moorgate

Tickets are priced at just £250 for two days, including catering.

Volunteer and Get Involved

Want to join the community and attend for free? Volunteer for one day and receive a complimentary two-day ticket. This is a great way to connect, contribute, and immerse yourself in the open tech world. The volunteer program is led by Sam Hepburn and Kim Fletcher, offering an unforgettable experience. Learn more and sign up at Volunteer at SOOCon 25.

Be Part of the Open Tech Future

SOOCon 25 isn’t just a conference; it’s a movement. Whether you’re a professional, a student, or someone looking for their next big role, this event offers something for everyone. With its focus on innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration, SOOCon 25 is the perfect place to meet the open tech community and stay ahead of the curve in 2025.

For questions or more information, contact: admin@openuk.uk

Let’s make 2025 the year of open technology!

In a significant move toward open science, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Department of Energy (DOE) have unveiled their final plans to require immediate public access to peer-reviewed journal articles resulting from federally funded research. This change follows a call by the Biden administration in 2022 to make all federally funded research outputs freely accessible by the end of 2025. With the NIH and DOE leading the way, other U.S. research funding agencies are expected to implement similar policies by the end of this year.

The new policies mandate that grantees post their accepted, peer-reviewed manuscripts in public repositories as soon as they are published. The NIH has already begun to require immediate sharing of project data in 2023, with the DOE’s policies set to follow suit. These requirements are a major step toward realizing a global open science movement, as research funded by the U.S. contributes to 9% of the world’s research papers.

Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders

While many open science advocates have praised these policies, there are concerns from universities and publishers. Universities are particularly concerned about the logistical challenges and financial implications of implementing these policies. The main issue revolves around the potential costs associated with gold open access, a model where authors or institutions pay an article processing charge (APC) to make articles immediately available to the public. These charges can average around $2,000 per paper, which critics argue is unsustainable, especially for researchers without external funding.

Alternatively, the zero-embargo or green open access model allows authors to upload their accepted manuscripts to repositories without undergoing expensive APCs. However, publishers have raised concerns that immediate access to manuscripts could diminish the need for subscriptions, which provide funding for journals’ editorial and publishing processes. For example, some publishers argue that this could significantly impact their revenue model, particularly nonprofit societies that rely on subscriptions to fund their operations.

The Challenges for Universities and Publishers

The NIH and DOE policies do not endorse a specific business model for achieving zero-embargo public access and do not bar authors from paying APCs. Instead, these agencies encourage a more flexible approach, including the zero-embargo green OA route, where authors or institutions deposit their articles in public repositories without formatting or copyediting. While this approach has been in place since 2013, the new policies require more immediate and unrestricted access to research articles, which could be disruptive for the current publishing system.

For small, nonprofit scientific societies such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the changes could have significant financial repercussions. ASCO, for example, has a substantial portion of its journal content authored by NIH grantees. With the new public access policies, ASCO could see a reduction in journal subscriptions, leading to a potential loss in revenue.

The logistical challenges of complying with the new policies are also significant. Universities have raised concerns about the time and resources required to ensure manuscripts are correctly formatted and deposited in public repositories such as PubMed Central. As it stands, publishers often handle the technical aspects of manuscript submission. The new policies, however, will shift this responsibility to the institutions, raising concerns about the increased administrative burden.

Educational Support for Compliance

Some universities are more prepared than others to comply with the new policies. Many institutions already require faculty members to upload accepted manuscripts to institutional repositories, a practice that aligns with the new NIH and DOE policies. Harvard University, for instance, has a long-standing commitment to public access policies. However, for other universities, there may be challenges in providing the necessary support and resources to help faculty navigate the new requirements.

NIH officials have acknowledged that there is a need for an extensive educational campaign to guide researchers through the new process, particularly in explaining the non-APC options for achieving open access. As some publishers have misled researchers into believing that the policies mandate payment for APCs, NIH will need to address these misunderstandings and provide clear guidance.

Copyright and Future Implications

A significant aspect of the new policies is their impact on copyright and intellectual property rights. Both the NIH and DOE have asserted that research funded by their agencies is covered by a “government use license,” which allows the immediate release of grantee papers, overriding standard publisher agreements that include embargo periods. This stance could limit publishers’ ability to control access to articles and charge fees for their use, including in cases where AI is used for research purposes.

In recent months, large publishers have begun selling access to their content for use in AI-driven text mining, a practice that could be more widespread under the new policies. Some publishers, including Taylor & Francis, have already entered into licensing agreements with AI developers. These licensing deals, which have been crucial to some nonprofit societies’ revenue streams, could be threatened by the shift toward immediate public access and AI usage.

Despite these concerns, advocates for open science have long argued that publicly funded research should be freely accessible to everyone, including AI developers. The NIH’s draft wording previously included a requirement that deposited manuscripts be “machine readable,” although this was later omitted in favor of “usability,” which still allows for the use of these texts in AI-driven research.

Looking Ahead

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has also published a draft update to its public access policy, closely resembling those of the NIH and DOE. The NSF is accepting public comments on the proposal until February 10, 2025.

While the policies have garnered support from the open science community, their future remains uncertain. Some members of Congress have expressed concerns about the implementation of these policies, with some appropriations bills proposing to block funding for them. Additionally, the potential for a change in administration could alter the trajectory of these policies, as seen during the Trump administration’s efforts to implement similar measures in 2020.

Nevertheless, many are optimistic about the future of zero-embargo green open access. As Peter Suber, a leading advocate for open access, states, “Zero-embargo green is coming on a large scale.” Although grantees will require time to adjust to these changes, the implementation of these policies is expected to accelerate, reshaping the landscape of academic publishing for years to come.

Source: Science

May 28-29, 2025 | University of Bologna, Italy

About the Workshop

The Workshop on Open Citations and Open Scholarly Metadata (WOOC 2025) invites researchers, publishers, funders, policymakers, institutions, and open citations advocates to join in fostering the widespread adoption of practices for creating, sharing, reusing, and improving open scholarly metadata.

This year’s theme, “Open Access of Research Information,” will focus on advancing global collaboration in open research practices.

Workshop Structure

• Day 1: Bologna Meeting on Open Research Information
  A forum for signatories and supporters of the Barcelona Declaration to engage in discussions, refine the roadmap for open research information, and build upon outcomes from the recent Paris Conference.
• Day 2: Contributions and Presentations
  Dedicated to invited talks, participant presentations, and a poster session showcasing contributions aligned with the workshop theme.

The event aspires to incubate new ideas, encourage collaboration, and strategically advance open research practices.

Venue

WOOC 2025 will take place at the University of Bologna, a key signatory of the Barcelona Declaration on Open Research Information and a leader of the CoARA National Chapter.

Registration and Participation

Participation is open to all. A small participation fee will be charged (details to follow).

Call for Participation and Contributions

• Attendees:
  Submit your application form and a short bio by February 20, 2025. Attendance may be limited based on demand.
• Contributors:
  Submit your proposals addressing this year’s theme, “Open Access of Research Information,” through the application form.
  Selected contributions may be presented as:
  • 15-minute talks with a 5-minute discussion
  • Poster presentations with a 2-3 minute pitch

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: February 20, 2025
• Notifications of Acceptance: By February 20, 2025
• Poster and Talk Presentations: May 29, 2025

For further details, stay tuned for updates on fees, submission guidelines, and selection criteria.

Contact

For inquiries, contact the WOOC organizing team.

Join WOOC 2025 to help shape the future of open research information!

The Science for Public Good Fund is a grant program designed to provide up to $1,500 to members of the Science Network at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). The fund supports online advocacy, digital community building, and other initiatives that promote equitable, science-based policies with a focus on addressing local impacts.

Who Can Apply?

• Applicants must be active UCS Science Network members or join upon applying.
• The Science Network values diversity, inclusion, and equity. Read more about the Code of Conduct.

Eligible Projects

Projects must advocate for equitable science-based policies, develop science advocacy skills, or address policy inequities. Proposals supporting community groups and environmental justice organizations will be prioritized.

Examples of Fund Use:

• Venue rentals, printing, or vendors for in-person events
• Online tools or support for virtual events
• Advertising and promotion of science advocacy efforts
• Honoraria for trainers, speakers, or community leaders

What We Encourage:
We prioritize proposals that:

• Reach diverse, historically underrepresented audiences
• Incorporate equity-focused goals from the outset
• Partner with impacted communities or justice-based organizations
• Engage scientists at minority-serving institutions (HBCUs, TCUs, HSIs, AANAPISIs)
• Foster advocacy skills and leadership for project organizers
• Demonstrate clear financial need

Note: Previous grant recipients can reapply, but new applicants are prioritized. Applicants awarded funds twice will not be considered.

Grant Recipient Commitments

• Projects must be completed within 6 months of funding.
• Recipients must document their activities (e.g., photos, video, blog posts) and share insights through guest posts, trainings, or other platforms.
• Recipients commit to active membership in the UCS Science Network for two years.

How to Apply

Applications are open until January 6, 2025. To apply, complete the application form.
For questions, contact Tosin Fadeyi at tfadeyi@ucsusa.org.

Additional Details

• Grants support individuals, informal groups, and formal organizations. Groups are encouraged to use a checking account in their name or work with a fiscal agent.
• Individual recipients may need to report funds as taxable income. Learn about obtaining an EIN here.

The UCS Science Network is here to spotlight and support your critical science advocacy efforts. Let’s work together to put science into action and create positive change.

The EOSC Winter School is an annual initiative by the EOSC Association, fostering collaboration and driving advancements in the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) ecosystem. Following the success of the inaugural Winter School held in Thessaloniki in January 2024, the upcoming EOSC Winter School 2025 will take place from 20-23 January 2025 in Seville, Spain, building on the achievements of the previous event.

Recap: EOSC Winter School 2024

The 2024 Winter School laid a strong foundation for fostering collaboration among Horizon Europe (HE) EOSC-related projects. It introduced Opportunity Area (OA) Expert Groups, which have since been instrumental in advancing critical aspects of the EOSC ecosystem. The event emphasized technical understanding, stakeholder engagement, and alignment across diverse sectors within the Open Science community.

Winter School 2025: A Focus on Convergence

The 2025 event, supported by the EOSC Focus project and HE EOSC-related projects, aims to strengthen collaboration and harmonize efforts toward the build-up phase of the EOSC Federation. Participants will include representatives from the EOSC-A Board, Secretariat, European Commission, Opportunity Area Expert Groups, and Task Forces, ensuring a broad spectrum of expertise and perspectives.

The program will focus on the four Strategic Pillars outlined in the EOSC Multi-Annual Roadmap (MAR) for 2026–2027:

1. Sustaining and Enhancing the EOSC Federation
2. Contributing to the Web of FAIR Data and AI Uptake
3. Ensuring Research Security and Sovereignty
4. Linking with Other European Data Spaces and Beyond

These priorities will be addressed at European, national, and institutional levels, aligning long-term objectives with immediate implementation needs.

Registration and Participation

To ensure balanced representation, the Winter School employs a two-stage registration process:

1. Pre-registration (now closed) allowed participants to express interest.
2. Main registration, open exclusively to invited participants, requires payment of a EUR 859 travel package (excluding VAT) by 7 January 2025.

The package includes a three-night stay at Meliá Lebreros hotel, event admission, meals, and networking receptions but excludes travel costs. Participants must secure written confirmation of registration before making travel arrangements.

Financial and Logistical Details

• The event is cost-neutral, covering essential expenses without profit generation.
• Participants wishing to extend their stay can avail of preferential rates at the event hotel, subject to availability.
• Payments are accepted exclusively via bank transfer, with invoices issued upon registration.

Why Attend?

The EOSC Winter School 2025 represents a unique opportunity for stakeholders to:

• Engage in meaningful dialogue about Open Science challenges and solutions.
• Strengthen collaboration across the EOSC ecosystem.
• Contribute to shaping the future of the EOSC Federation.

By fostering connections and building capacity among diverse participants, the Winter School underscores its commitment to advancing Open Science and ensuring that knowledge remains a global public good.

For further details, visit the official EOSC Association website or contact the organising team directly.