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In the world of academia, the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge are fundamental. Not-for-profit academic publications play a pivotal role in facilitating the exchange of scholarly research and ideas. These publications are distinct from their for-profit counterparts, as their primary objective is to promote knowledge sharing rather than financial gain. This article delves into the importance of not-for-profit academic publications and the benefits they bring to the scholarly community and society at large.

Promoting Open Access and Accessibility

One of the defining characteristics of not-for-profit academic publications is their commitment to open access. Open access ensures that scholarly research is freely available to anyone with an internet connection, removing barriers to knowledge and fostering global participation in the academic discourse. By eliminating paywalls and subscription fees, not-for-profit publications democratize access to information, benefiting researchers, students, and the general public alike. This inclusivity facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration, encourages innovation, and enhances the potential for discoveries that can address pressing societal challenges.

Maintaining Scholarly Integrity and Quality

Not-for-profit academic publications often adhere to rigorous peer-review processes to ensure the quality and integrity of published research. These processes involve subjecting submitted manuscripts to evaluation by experts in the relevant field before publication. Peer review acts as a filter, allowing reliable and credible research to be disseminated, thus upholding the standards of academic scholarship. This commitment to quality control enhances the trustworthiness and credibility of the publications, providing researchers with a reliable source of information for their work.

Fostering Collaboration and Networking

Not-for-profit academic publications serve as platforms for researchers to showcase their work, thereby fostering collaboration and networking within the scholarly community. These publications facilitate the sharing of knowledge, methodologies, and findings, allowing researchers to build upon one another’s work and contribute to the collective advancement of their respective fields. By providing a space for scholarly discourse and interaction, not-for-profit publications promote intellectual exchange and encourage the formation of partnerships and collaborations that can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and interdisciplinary research.

Preserving Academic Freedom and Autonomy

Maintaining academic freedom and autonomy is crucial for the advancement of knowledge. Not-for-profit academic publications often operate independently of commercial interests, allowing researchers to publish their work without undue influence or constraints. This freedom is vital for scholars to pursue innovative and unconventional research, challenge existing paradigms, and explore novel ideas. By safeguarding academic freedom, not-for-profit publications enable researchers to address critical issues, propose alternative perspectives, and push the boundaries of knowledge.

Supporting Non-Mainstream Research and Disciplines

Not-for-profit academic publications play a vital role in supporting research in non-mainstream disciplines and niche areas of study. While commercial publishers may prioritize research with a broader appeal and commercial viability, not-for-profit publications embrace the diversity of academic disciplines. They provide a platform for scholars working in less mainstream fields, enabling them to disseminate their research, garner recognition, and contribute to the overall body of knowledge. This inclusivity encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, stimulates innovation, and fosters a more comprehensive understanding of complex societal issues.

Conclusion

Not-for-profit academic publications are indispensable for the advancement of knowledge, providing open access to quality research, fostering collaboration, and upholding academic freedom. These publications empower researchers to contribute to their fields, irrespective of commercial interests, while promoting inclusivity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the dissemination of knowledge to the wider public. By supporting not-for-profit academic publications, we can collectively foster an environment that nurtures intellectual growth, innovation, and social progress for the betterment of society as a whole.

In the digital age, data has become a valuable asset that shapes our understanding of the world and drives innovation. Governments, organizations, and individuals possess vast amounts of data, ranging from demographic statistics and scientific research to economic indicators and environmental records. Historically, this data was often locked away, accessible only to a select few. However, a global movement is emerging to challenge this status quo and promote the opening of data to the world. In this article, we explore the significance of opening data, the benefits it brings, and the challenges it entails.

The Power of Open Data

Open data refers to the idea that certain types of information should be freely available for anyone to access, use, and share without restrictions. By opening data to the world, governments and organizations foster transparency, accountability, and collaboration, leading to numerous advantages for societies worldwide.

1. Transparency and Accountability: Open data promotes transparency by allowing citizens to gain insights into government activities, public spending, and decision-making processes. When governments open their data, it becomes easier to hold them accountable for their actions, reducing corruption and fostering trust between the public and governing bodies.
2. Improved Services and Decision Making: Accessible data enables organizations and governments to make more informed decisions. When diverse stakeholders can access and analyze data, they can identify patterns, trends, and gaps that help drive evidence-based policies and service improvements. For instance, open health data can support the development of targeted public health programs and facilitate medical research.
3. Economic Growth and Innovation: Open data acts as a catalyst for economic growth and innovation. By providing entrepreneurs, researchers, and developers with access to datasets, new ideas and applications can emerge. Startups can leverage open data to create innovative products and services, stimulating job creation and economic development.
4. Citizen Empowerment: Opening data empowers citizens to actively engage in the democratic process. When citizens have access to relevant information, they can participate more effectively in public discussions, advocate for their rights, and contribute to civic initiatives. Open data facilitates a more inclusive and participatory society.

Challenges and Considerations

While the benefits of opening data are undeniable, several challenges must be addressed to ensure its effective implementation:

1. Privacy and Security: Opening data should not compromise individual privacy or expose sensitive information. Striking the right balance between openness and privacy is crucial. Data must be carefully anonymized or aggregated to protect personal details and ensure compliance with privacy regulations.
2. Data Quality and Standardization: Ensuring data accuracy, reliability, and consistency is essential for meaningful use. Establishing data quality standards and promoting interoperability across different sources is necessary to maximize the potential benefits of open data.
3. Digital Divide and Accessibility: Opening data to the world must consider accessibility for all. The digital divide, which refers to disparities in internet access and digital literacy, can hinder certain populations from benefiting from open data initiatives. Efforts should be made to bridge this divide and promote inclusive access to data.
4. Legal and Ethical Considerations: Opening data requires navigating legal and ethical frameworks. Intellectual property rights, copyright issues, and licensing terms need to be considered when sharing data. Moreover, ethical guidelines should be established to ensure data is used responsibly and ethically.

Opening data to the world represents a transformative shift towards transparency, collaboration, and innovation. By breaking down barriers and making data accessible, governments, organizations, and individuals can harness its power to address societal challenges effectively. While challenges exist, with careful planning, data quality assurance, and consideration for privacy, the benefits of open data are immense. By embracing openness, we can unlock the full potential of data and create a more empowered and prosperous world for all.

In the quest for advancing scientific knowledge and promoting collaboration, open science has emerged as a powerful movement. Open science encourages transparency, accessibility, and the free exchange of research findings. In this digital age, libraries are playing a crucial role in empowering open science initiatives. As gateways to knowledge and champions of information dissemination, libraries are transforming themselves into vibrant hubs that support and enhance open scientific practices. This article explores the ways in which libraries are empowering open science and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

1. Facilitating Access to Research:

Libraries have long been custodians of knowledge, providing access to vast collections of scholarly resources. In the realm of open science, libraries are taking a proactive approach to ensure that scientific literature and research outputs are freely accessible. They collaborate with publishers, research institutions, and organizations to negotiate open access agreements, enabling researchers to publish their work in open access journals or deposit preprints in repositories. By removing paywalls and subscription barriers, libraries enable widespread access to scientific knowledge, benefiting not only researchers but also educators, policymakers, and the general public.

2. Supporting Data Management and Sharing:

Data sharing is a cornerstone of open science, facilitating reproducibility and collaboration. Libraries are stepping in to assist researchers in effectively managing, preserving, and sharing their data. They provide guidance on best practices for data management, including data storage, metadata creation, and data documentation. Libraries also offer institutional repositories and data archives, ensuring long-term preservation and access to research data. By facilitating the sharing and reuse of datasets, libraries foster scientific collaboration and drive further discoveries.

3. Promoting Open Educational Resources (OER):

Libraries have a rich tradition of supporting education, and in the era of open science, they are championing the use of Open Educational Resources (OER). OER are freely accessible learning materials that can be modified, shared, and adapted. Libraries collaborate with faculty members to curate OER collections, making them readily available to students and educators. By promoting the use of OER, libraries contribute to reducing the cost of education, expanding access to learning resources, and encouraging the development of innovative teaching methods.

4. Cultivating Information Literacy:

In an era of information overload, libraries play a vital role in fostering information literacy skills. They provide training programs, workshops, and resources to help researchers and students critically evaluate and navigate the vast amount of scientific information available. Libraries empower individuals with the ability to identify trustworthy sources, understand publication practices, and distinguish between reputable and predatory journals. By equipping researchers with information literacy skills, libraries support the principles of open science, encouraging the dissemination of reliable and high-quality research.

5. Creating Collaborative Spaces:

Libraries are transforming their physical spaces into vibrant hubs for collaboration and innovation. They are incorporating areas for group work, maker spaces, and technology-equipped zones where researchers can interact, exchange ideas, and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations. Libraries also organize events such as hackathons, data sprints, and research forums, fostering a sense of community and encouraging knowledge exchange. By providing these collaborative spaces, libraries promote the open sharing of ideas, interdisciplinary research, and the emergence of new scientific partnerships.

Conclusion:

As bastions of knowledge and information, libraries are playing a crucial role in empowering open science. By facilitating access to research, supporting data management and sharing, promoting the use of Open Educational Resources, cultivating information literacy, and creating collaborative spaces, libraries are driving the transformation toward a more open and transparent scientific landscape. Through their commitment to open science principles, libraries contribute to the democratization of knowledge, facilitate scientific discovery, and empower researchers and learners around the world.

In an era driven by innovation and information, the principles of open science are transforming the way knowledge is created, shared, and utilized. Open science promotes transparency, collaboration, and accessibility, enabling researchers and learners to engage in a more inclusive and impactful scientific process. Embracing these principles within classrooms not only fosters a deeper understanding of scientific concepts but also equips students with essential skills for their future endeavors. In this article, we explore the benefits and strategies of integrating open science practices into educational settings.

Enhancing Access to Knowledge:

One of the key advantages of open science in classrooms is the increased accessibility to knowledge. Traditional scientific research often remains hidden behind paywalls, limiting access for students and educators. By adopting open science practices, educational institutions can provide students with unrestricted access to scholarly publications, research data, and resources, leveling the playing field for all learners. Open access journals and repositories, such as arXiv and bioRxiv, allow students to explore cutting-edge research, keeping them updated with the latest scientific advancements.

Fostering Collaboration and Engagement:

Open science emphasizes collaboration and collective intelligence. Implementing collaborative projects within classrooms encourages students to work together, share ideas, and solve problems collectively. Platforms like GitHub and GitLab enable students to collaborate on coding projects, while online forums and discussion boards facilitate exchanges of scientific ideas and insights. By engaging in collaborative scientific practices, students develop crucial teamwork and communication skills, preparing them for future research endeavors and professional collaborations.

Promoting Reproducibility and Transparency:

Reproducibility is a cornerstone of scientific research. By incorporating open science principles into the classroom, educators can teach students the importance of transparent methodologies, data sharing, and reproducible research. Encouraging students to document and share their experimental protocols, data, and analysis code helps build a culture of transparency and scientific integrity. Platforms like the Open Science Framework (OSF) provide a framework for organizing and sharing research materials, ensuring the reproducibility of scientific investigations.

Empowering Critical Thinking and Inquiry:

Open science practices encourage students to think critically and engage in scientific inquiry. By exposing students to raw data and research articles, they develop the skills to evaluate scientific claims, analyze data, and draw evidence-based conclusions. Open science also encourages students to question scientific findings, replicate experiments, and challenge established theories. Through these experiences, students cultivate a deeper understanding of the scientific process and develop their own scientific curiosity.

Teaching Ethical Conduct and Responsible Research:

Integrating open science principles in classrooms allows educators to address ethical considerations and responsible research practices. Students learn about responsible data management, intellectual property rights, and the importance of obtaining informed consent when conducting research involving human subjects. By adhering to open science practices, students develop a strong sense of academic integrity, ethical conduct, and respect for research participants.

Conclusion:

Open science in classrooms revolutionizes the way we educate future researchers, scientists, and critical thinkers. By embracing open science principles, educational institutions empower students with accessible knowledge, collaborative skills, and a deeper understanding of the scientific process. Engaging students in open science practices fosters critical thinking, inquiry, and ethical conduct, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the scientific community and tackle the challenges of our rapidly evolving world. As we continue to embrace the possibilities of open science, let us create inclusive learning environments that inspire a new generation of scientists to advance knowledge for the betterment of society.

Introduction

Open science has emerged as a powerful paradigm shift, transforming the traditional landscape of scientific research and knowledge dissemination. By promoting transparency, accessibility, and collaboration, open science has the potential to drive scientific progress at an unprecedented pace. Within this realm, the concept of progressiveness is a driving force, aiming to foster inclusivity, diversity, and equity in scientific endeavors. In this article, we will explore the significance of progressiveness in open science and the positive impact it has on research, innovation, and society as a whole.

1. Enhancing Accessibility and Knowledge Dissemination

One of the core principles of open science is making scientific knowledge accessible to all, regardless of their institutional affiliations, geographic locations, or socioeconomic backgrounds. Progressiveness in open science takes this principle further by addressing the barriers that prevent equal access to knowledge. By utilizing open access publishing, preprint servers, and data sharing platforms, researchers can ensure their work reaches a broader audience, including those in resource-limited regions.

Moreover, progressiveness in open science recognizes the importance of multilingualism and cultural diversity in knowledge exchange. Efforts are being made to translate scientific literature into various languages, making research more accessible to non-English-speaking communities. This inclusivity facilitates global collaboration, encouraging diverse perspectives and accelerating scientific progress.

2. Fostering Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Research

Open science provides a fertile ground for collaboration among researchers, institutions, and even citizen scientists. Progressiveness in open science recognizes the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling complex scientific challenges. By breaking down disciplinary boundaries and encouraging knowledge exchange across fields, open science enables the formation of diverse research teams, facilitating the development of innovative solutions.

Progressiveness in open science also encourages citizen science initiatives, involving non-professionals in scientific research. By engaging the public in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, open science empowers communities and promotes scientific literacy. Such collaborations foster a sense of ownership and inclusivity, leading to more relevant and impactful research outcomes.

3. Promoting Reproducibility and Rigor

Reproducibility is a cornerstone of scientific research, ensuring the reliability and credibility of scientific findings. Progressiveness in open science emphasizes the importance of transparent and reproducible research practices. Open access to research data, methodologies, and analysis codes enables others to reproduce and validate scientific results, promoting the advancement of knowledge.

Furthermore, progressiveness in open science advocates for inclusive and unbiased research practices. It calls for diversity in research teams, both in terms of gender and cultural representation, to mitigate biases and enhance the robustness of scientific investigations. By embracing inclusivity and promoting rigorous research standards, open science paves the way for more reliable and impactful scientific discoveries.

4. Ethical Considerations and Responsible Conduct

Progressiveness in open science recognizes the ethical implications and responsibilities that come with open and transparent research practices. It calls for the development of ethical frameworks to protect sensitive data, privacy, and intellectual property rights while still fostering openness. Striking a balance between openness and responsible conduct is crucial to maintain public trust and ensure ethical integrity in scientific research.

Additionally, progressiveness in open science acknowledges the importance of equitable recognition and attribution in collaborative research. It calls for fair and transparent acknowledgment of contributors, regardless of their institutional affiliations or hierarchical positions. Such practices encourage a culture of collaboration and eliminate biases, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive scientific community.

Conclusion

Embracing progressiveness in open science revolutionizes the way research is conducted, disseminated, and utilized for the betterment of society. By enhancing accessibility, fostering collaboration, promoting reproducibility, and upholding ethical standards, progressiveness in open science catalyzes innovation and drives scientific progress at an accelerated pace.

Illustration: Hebels, Dennie

Introduction

In the digital age, where information is abundant and easily accessible, open access journals have emerged as a powerful catalyst for democratizing knowledge. Traditional academic publishing models, with their paywalls and restricted access, have often hindered the dissemination of research findings to a broader audience. However, open access journals have revolutionized the scholarly landscape by removing these barriers, promoting transparency, and fostering innovation. In this article, we explore the significance of open access journals and their transformative impact on the scientific community and society at large.

Defining Open Access Journals

Open access journals are scholarly publications that make research articles freely available to the public, without any financial barriers or subscription fees. They provide unrestricted access to knowledge, allowing anyone with an internet connection to read, download, share, and build upon published research. This model ensures that scientific discoveries and insights reach a wider audience, including researchers, students, policymakers, and the general public.

The Benefits of Open Access

1. Democratizing Knowledge: Open access journals break down the traditional barriers to information by ensuring that knowledge is accessible to all, irrespective of geographic location, institutional affiliation, or financial resources. This inclusivity promotes equal opportunities for researchers, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, and empowers individuals in developing regions to contribute to scientific advancements.
2. Accelerating Scientific Progress: By removing access restrictions, open access journals expedite the dissemination of research findings. Researchers can build upon existing knowledge, leading to accelerated scientific progress and the potential for more rapid breakthroughs in various fields. Open access journals also foster interdisciplinary collaborations, enabling researchers from different domains to come together and generate innovative solutions to complex problems.
3. Enhancing Visibility and Impact: Open access journals increase the visibility and impact of research articles. The widespread availability of open access content leads to higher citation rates, as researchers from diverse backgrounds can easily reference and build upon these works. Consequently, authors gain greater recognition for their contributions and research becomes more discoverable, fostering a virtuous cycle of knowledge dissemination.
4. Public Engagement and Societal Impact: Open access journals facilitate engagement between the scientific community and the public. By enabling easy access to research findings, these journals empower individuals outside academia to stay informed about the latest discoveries, stimulating dialogue, and promoting evidence-based decision-making. Open access also supports the translation of research into practical applications, thereby contributing to social, economic, and technological advancements.

Challenges and Solutions

While open access journals have undeniably revolutionized the scholarly landscape, they also face some challenges. One of the major concerns is ensuring financial sustainability for journal publishers, as the traditional subscription model provided a significant revenue stream. However, various funding models have emerged to address this issue, such as article processing charges, institutional memberships, and grants from funding agencies. Additionally, initiatives like the Plan S, a global push for open access, have gained momentum, encouraging institutions and researchers to support open access publishing.

Furthermore, quality control and peer review processes are crucial to maintaining the credibility and integrity of research published in open access journals. It is imperative for these journals to establish rigorous peer review mechanisms and adhere to ethical publishing practices to ensure the reliability of published content.

Conclusion

Open access journals have ushered in a new era of scholarly communication, transforming the way research is disseminated, accessed, and utilized. By breaking down barriers and fostering a culture of openness, these journals have democratized knowledge, accelerating scientific progress and enhancing societal impact. As the demand for open access continues to grow, it is essential for stakeholders, including researchers, institutions, funding agencies, and policymakers, to collaborate and support sustainable open access models. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of open access extend beyond the confines of academia, enriching lives and advancing human knowledge for the the benefit of us all.

Author of picture: Jaan Kokk

Open Science is a movement that seeks to make scientific research more transparent, accessible, and collaborative. As the field continues to grow, there has been an emergence of academies and journals that specialize in Open Science, providing a platform for researchers to share their work openly and promote the principles of Open Science.

Academies of Open Science

Academies of Open Science are organizations that promote and facilitate the use of Open Science practices. These academies typically provide training, resources, and support to researchers interested in Open Science, as well as advocate for the adoption of Open Science policies and practices at the institutional and governmental levels.

One example of an Academy of Open Science is the Open Science Academy, which was launched in 2019 by the European Union. The Open Science Academy provides training and resources to researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to promote the principles of Open Science, including open access, open data, and open peer review.

Journals of Open Science

Journals of Open Science are academic journals that specialize in publishing research that adheres to Open Science principles. These journals typically require authors to make their data and code openly available, as well as make their articles freely available online without any access restrictions or paywalls.

One example of a Journal of Open Science is PLOS ONE, which was launched in 2006. PLOS ONE is an open access journal that publishes research in all areas of science and medicine, with a focus on rigorous, transparent, and reproducible research. PLOS ONE has become one of the largest and most influential scientific journals in the world, with thousands of articles published each year.

Benefits of Academies and Journals of Open Science

The emergence of academies and journals of Open Science has had a significant impact on the field, promoting greater collaboration, transparency, and accessibility in scientific research. By providing training, resources, and support to researchers, academies of Open Science are helping to promote the adoption of Open Science principles at all levels of the research process.

Similarly, by requiring authors to adhere to Open Science principles, journals of Open Science are helping to promote greater transparency and reproducibility in scientific research. This can help to increase the reliability and impact of scientific research, as well as promote greater collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the scientific community.

Conclusion

The emergence of academies and journals of Open Science is an important development in the field, helping to promote greater transparency, collaboration, and accessibility in scientific research. As the field continues to grow, it is likely that we will see further developments in the way that research is conducted, communicated, and evaluated, with the principles of Open Science playing an increasingly important role.

In the world of academia, research assessment is an essential process that is used to evaluate the quality and impact of research projects. However, the current system of research assessment has been criticized for its overemphasis on metrics and lack of transparency, which has led to a number of negative outcomes, including the devaluation of certain types of research and the perpetuation of biases in the academic community. As a result, there is a growing movement for the reform of research assessment, which seeks to create a fairer, more transparent, and more accurate system for evaluating research.

One of the main criticisms of the current research assessment system is its reliance on metrics such as publication counts, citation rates, and journal impact factors. While these metrics can provide useful information about the quantity and quality of research output, they often fail to capture the full range of contributions that researchers make to their fields. For example, metrics tend to favor research that is published in high-impact journals, which can lead to the undervaluation of important but less prestigious work.

Another problem with the current system is that it can perpetuate biases and inequalities in the academic community. For example, women and underrepresented minorities are often underrepresented in high-impact journals, which can lead to their work being undervalued in research assessments. Similarly, research that focuses on marginalized communities or non-traditional topics may be devalued because it does not fit into established paradigms or funding priorities.

To address these issues, advocates for research assessment reform are calling for a more holistic and transparent approach to evaluating research. This could involve a shift away from metrics and towards more qualitative assessments of research quality, such as peer review or expert evaluation. It could also involve greater consideration of the broader impacts of research, such as its potential for social or economic benefit, or its relevance to policy and practice.

Another key aspect of research assessment reform is the need for greater transparency and openness in the evaluation process. This could involve making research assessment criteria and procedures more explicit and accessible, so that researchers understand how their work is being evaluated. It could also involve involving a wider range of stakeholders in the assessment process, including non-academic partners and members of the public.

Finally, research assessment reformers are calling for greater diversity and inclusion in the academic community, so that the full range of research perspectives and approaches are represented in research assessments. This could involve initiatives to promote greater equity in funding and publishing, as well as efforts to ensure that underrepresented groups are included in the peer review and evaluation processes.

The reform of research assessment is an important and timely issue that has the potential to transform the way research is evaluated and valued. By promoting greater transparency, equity, and diversity in the assessment process, we can create a more just and effective system for evaluating the contributions that researchers make to their fields.

The field of open science has been gaining increasing attention in recent years, as researchers and academics seek to make research findings and data more accessible and transparent. At the core of open science is the idea of making research freely available to the public, enabling others to build on existing findings and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge. However, as with any approach to science, there are ethical considerations that must be taken into account.

Firstly, open science must ensure that the privacy and confidentiality of research participants are protected. Researchers must ensure that data collected from participants is anonymized and stored securely, so that individuals cannot be identified. Additionally, informed consent must be obtained from participants, so that they understand the risks and benefits of participating in research, and can make an informed decision about whether to take part.

Secondly, open science must ensure that credit is given where credit is due. Researchers who have contributed to the development of research findings or data must be acknowledged and cited appropriately. This helps to ensure that researchers receive recognition for their contributions and are incentivized to continue contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Thirdly, open science must ensure that research findings are disseminated in a responsible and accurate manner. This means that research findings must be communicated clearly and honestly, without misrepresenting or exaggerating the results. Additionally, research findings must be placed in the proper context, so that the public can understand the limitations of the study and the implications of the findings.

Finally, open science must ensure that research is conducted in an ethical and responsible manner. Researchers must adhere to ethical guidelines and principles, such as those laid out in the Declaration of Helsinki and the Belmont Report, which outline the ethical considerations that must be taken into account when conducting research with human participants.

To sum up, the ethics of open science must be carefully considered in order to ensure that research is conducted in a responsible and transparent manner. By protecting the privacy and confidentiality of research participants, giving credit where credit is due, disseminating research findings accurately and responsibly, and adhering to ethical guidelines and principles, open science can help to advance scientific knowledge in an ethical and responsible manner.

Picture illustration: Eos