Fifth National Open Science Festival Set for Groningen in October 2025

• May 5, 2025

The fifth edition of the National Open Science Festival (#OSF2025NL) will take place on 24 October 2025 at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), marking a significant milestone for the Dutch open science community.

A Hub for Open Science Enthusiasts

This annual event, organized by Open Science NL in collaboration with the University of Groningen and UMCG, is designed for researchers, research support professionals, and anyone interested in open science practices. The festival aims to foster collaboration, transparency, and innovation in research by promoting the sharing of data, publications, software, and results as openly and early as possible.

Interactive Program and Community Engagement

Attendees can expect a full day of interactive sessions, an information market, and numerous networking opportunities. The program is curated by an independent committee to ensure broad representation from the open science community. This year, the committee is chaired by Casper Albers, dean of the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences at the University of Groningen, and Ana Ranitović, chief of Open Science at the same university.

Continuing a Tradition of Inclusivity

The National Open Science Festival is known for its community-driven approach. Previous editions have been hosted by Wageningen University (2021, online), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2022), Erasmus University Rotterdam (2023), and Maastricht University (2024). The selection of Groningen as the 2025 host follows a transparent process that prioritizes institutions new to hosting and encourages collaboration between universities and research institutes.

Barcamp Returns for a Second Year

On the day before the festival, the OSC-NL Barcamp will return to Groningen. This informal, participant-driven event offers a platform for open science enthusiasts-from newcomers to experienced practitioners-to exchange ideas and collaborate in a flexible, agenda-free format. The Barcamp is organized by OSC-NL and the National Coordination Point for Research Data Management (LCRDM).

Open Science: A Growing Movement

Open Science, as defined by UNESCO and embraced by the festival, seeks to make scientific knowledge openly available, accessible, and reusable for all. The movement leverages digital technologies to enable unprecedented sharing and analysis of research data, making global collaboration the new norm. By adopting open methods, the scientific community aims to achieve more robust results, greater efficiency, and faster dissemination of knowledge for the benefit of society.

Looking Ahead

Registration details and the full program for #OSF2025NL will be announced through official festival channels and partner organizations. With its focus on inclusivity, innovation, and community, the 2025 National Open Science Festival in Groningen promises to be a landmark event for anyone passionate about the future of open research.

Key Details at a Glance:

• Event: 5th National Open Science Festival (#OSF2025NL)
• Date: 24 October 2025
• Location: University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
• Audience: Researchers, research support staff, open science advocates, and the broader community
• Highlights: Interactive sessions, information market, networking, OSC-NL Barcamp