Barcelona Declaration on Open Research Information

• April 16, 2024

In the intricate tapestry of modern research, information serves as the backbone, guiding decisions, shaping priorities, and fueling innovation. However, a significant portion of this vital information remains confined within closed infrastructures, inaccessible to many stakeholders. The Barcelona Declaration on Open Research Information emerges as a clarion call for change, advocating for a fundamental shift towards openness and transparency in research practices.

The Preamble: Recognizing the Imperative for Change

The preamble of the Barcelona Declaration eloquently articulates the current state of affairs in research information management. It acknowledges the pivotal role information plays in steering the research enterprise, from assessing researchers and institutions to informing strategic decisions. Yet, it highlights the paradox of reliance on closed infrastructures, controlled by entities with primary accountability to shareholders rather than the research community. This acknowledgment sets the stage for the transformative vision laid out in the declaration.

A Vision for Openness: Commitments for Change

The heart of the Barcelona Declaration lies in its commitments to usher in a new era of openness in research information. It outlines four key commitments aimed at making openness the default mode for both the utilization and production of research information. From embracing open scholarly infrastructures to ensuring their sustainability, signatories pledge to catalyze the transition from closed to open research information through collective action and collaboration.

Breaking Down Barriers: Confronting the Challenges of Closed Systems

Closed research information infrastructures pose formidable barriers to transparency and reproducibility, perpetuating opaque decision-making processes. The declaration underscores the urgent need for openness to enable informed debates and accountable decision-making. By advocating for the use of persistent identifiers and fostering a culture of accessibility and integrity, the declaration seeks to dismantle these barriers and usher in a new era of openness.

A Global Movement: Mobilizing Stakeholders for Change

The momentum for openness in research information is palpable, with support growing across international, regional, and local fronts. From global initiatives like DORA and the Leiden Manifesto to regional movements advocating for inclusivity, stakeholders are uniting behind the call for change. Organizations such as SPARC and CoARA are spearheading efforts to reshape research assessment paradigms, emphasizing independence and transparency.

Towards a Tipping Point: Realizing the Vision of Openness

As the academic community marches towards a tipping point in the transition to open research information, the Barcelona Declaration serves as a rallying cry for action. It calls upon research organizations, funders, and evaluators to join forces in realizing this vision of openness. By embracing the principles laid out in the declaration, stakeholders can pave the way for a more equitable, transparent, and impactful research ecosystem.

In the journey towards open research information, the Barcelona Declaration stands as push forward, illuminating the path towards a future where knowledge knows no bounds.

Find out more about Barcelona Declaration.