Research

Open Access (OA) has become a pivotal focus within academic libraries, profoundly affecting the entire higher education landscape. This evolving paradigm influences all facets of library management, including outreach, collection development, technical services, public services operations, and dedicated scholarly communication teams. As OA continues to develop at a rapid pace, many library professionals are finding it challenging to keep up, particularly those who are newly assigned OA responsibilities.

To support librarians navigating this complex terrain, SPARC has partnered with the creators of the Scholarly Communication Notebook—Josh Bolick, Maria Bonn, and Will Cross—to present a comprehensive three-part webinar series. This series is designed to introduce OA concepts to newcomers and provide a refresher for those already engaged in OA work. The series is accessible to all, requiring no prior experience or SPARC membership, with the aim of supporting the wider library community, especially those at resource-limited institutions.

Session 1: OA Foundations

Date and Time: August 6th, 3-4pm EDT / 12-1pm PDT [Register Here]

The inaugural session, “OA Foundations,” will cover the essential principles of Open Access. This session is perfect for anyone needing a clear understanding of the basics or a refresher. Topics include OA definitions, its historical development, aspirations, approaches, and common challenges. Additionally, attendees will learn about basic outreach strategies and resources for further learning. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for the subsequent sessions in the series, ensuring participants are well-prepared for deeper dives into OA practices and issues.

Session 2: OA Case Studies

Date and Time: August 20th, 3-4pm EDT / 12-1pm PDT [Register Here]

The second session, “OA Case Studies,” aims to provide practical insights into the implementation of OA services. This session will explore three key areas: supporting OA through licensing agreements and policies, enhancing scholarly literacies, and improving access and discovery via repositories. These themes will be illustrated through case studies from a diverse range of institutions, including large public research universities and smaller regional colleges. Participants are encouraged to share their own experiences and case studies, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and models applicable to various institutional contexts.

Session 3: Emerging Issues in OA

Date and Time: September 10th, 3-4pm EDT / 12-1pm PDT [Register Here]

The final session, “Emerging Issues in OA,” will delve into the complexities and challenges that have emerged as OA has become more widespread. This session will address issues such as equity in access, legal and technical barriers, and the sociocultural dynamics influencing OA adoption. By examining these emerging issues, participants will gain a nuanced understanding of the current OA landscape and the factors that complicate its implementation.

Recordings of all sessions will be available for those who cannot attend live. This series is a pilot initiative, and feedback from participants will help SPARC determine future directions in supporting OA work.

About the Series Leaders

The OA 101 Series will be led by Josh Bolick, Maria Bonn, and Will Cross, who bring extensive experience in scholarly communication and Open Access. Their work on the Scholarly Communication Notebook and their recently published book, “Scholarly Communication Librarianship and Open Knowledge,” underpins this series, offering participants access to their deep expertise and insights.

This series represents a valuable opportunity for library professionals to enhance their understanding of OA, exchange practical strategies, and navigate the challenges of this evolving field. Whether you’re new to OA or seeking to expand your knowledge, the OA 101 Series offers vital resources and community support to help you succeed.

Original article at SPARC

Photo via Science

Bologna and Forlì, July 9-11, 2024

The G7 Science and Technology Ministers convened in Bologna and Forlì, Italy, from July 9 to 11, 2024, underscoring the critical importance of science, technology, innovation, higher education, and advanced training in fostering a sustainable future. Their shared vision is rooted in democracy, international law, human rights, fairness, and freedom.

Reinforcing Collaboration and Support for Ukraine

In light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the ministers emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine’s research and innovation ecosystem, which has suffered severe damage. They committed to coordinated support efforts, acknowledging the role of science, technology, and innovation in rebuilding Ukraine. This will be a key focus at the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference in 2025 in Italy.

Emphasizing the Role of Science and Technology in Global Goals

The ministers reiterated the vital role of science and technology in achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. They endorsed the Declaration on Transformative Science, Technology, and Innovation Policies for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future, highlighting the need for international cooperation in tackling global crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pandemics.

Promoting Open Science and Research Integrity

Research Security and Integrity

The G7 emphasized the importance of research security and integrity in international collaborations. They stressed the need for effective risk mitigation measures to protect against foreign interference in research and innovation. The ministers commended the achievements of the G7 Security and Integrity of the Global Research Ecosystem (SIGRE) Working Group and supported the continuation of its dialogue through the G7 Virtual Academy Oversight Board.

Freedom and Inclusiveness in Scientific Research

The ministers underscored the value of open science in driving innovation and problem-solving. They advocated for the equitable and responsible dissemination of scientific knowledge and research outputs, promoting access to publicly funded scholarly publications and scientific data. The ongoing work of the Open Science Working Group was lauded for enhancing the productivity and quality of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) research outputs.

Science Communication

The importance of responsible science communication was highlighted as a means to enhance public trust and inform evidence-based policies. The G7 Working Group on Science Communication aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of science communication, addressing the grand challenges of our time.

Strengthening Large Research Infrastructures

Large research infrastructures play a strategic role in generating, sharing, and evaluating scientific data. The ministers pledged to strengthen collaborations in this area, recognizing the importance of interdisciplinary contributions. They supported the Group of Senior Officials (GSO) on Global Research Infrastructures in advancing global dialogue and best practices.

Advancing Research on Emerging Technologies, Nuclear Energy, and Space

New and Emerging Technologies

The G7 emphasized the need for research in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, advanced materials, synthetic biology, and robotics to address societal challenges and drive the green and digital transitions. They advocated for responsible research and technology transfer, emphasizing international collaboration.

Nuclear Fission and Fusion Energy

The ministers acknowledged the potential of fission and fusion energy to address climate change and energy security. They called for further research and human resource development in nuclear safety, security, and safeguards.

Space Collaboration

The G7 reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable space use, addressing orbital debris, and enhancing space situational awareness. They supported international guidelines for space activities and encouraged further research and development in space technologies.

Enhancing Research and Innovation Cooperation with Africa

The ministers recognized the importance of equitable access to knowledge and skills development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. They focused on strengthening collaborations with African countries, aligning efforts with the African Union’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2034. They promoted mobility initiatives for researchers and supported the development of research infrastructures in Africa.

Addressing Ocean and Biodiversity Challenges

The G7 emphasized the importance of global ocean research and observations in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. They supported the development of Digital Twins of the Ocean capabilities and the inclusion of local and traditional knowledge in marine resource management. The ministers committed to strengthening international cooperation in polar and deep-sea research and supporting the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

G7 Ministers Reaffirm Commitment to Open Science and Global Collaboration

The G7 Science and Technology Ministers’ Meeting in 2024 highlighted the critical role of open science, research integrity, and international collaboration in addressing global challenges. By reinforcing their commitment to these principles, the ministers aim to promote a sustainable and inclusive future for all.

Read the full G7 statement here.

The landscape of academic publishing is undergoing a transformation with the rise of open science, open access, and open research. These movements advocate for greater transparency, accessibility, and collaboration in research, challenging traditional publishing models. While these shifts promise broader dissemination and impact of research, they also pose new challenges for protecting researchers and their work from potential exploitation by publishing companies. Here, we explore strategies to safeguard researchers in this evolving environment.

1. Understanding Open Access Models

Open access (OA) can significantly benefit researchers by increasing the visibility and accessibility of their work. However, understanding the various OA models is crucial:

• Gold Open Access: Articles are freely available online, often requiring an Article Processing Charge (APC). Researchers should seek funding support for APCs and choose reputable OA journals to avoid predatory publishers.
• Green Open Access: Authors can self-archive their preprints or postprints in institutional repositories without additional costs. This model provides more control over their work.
• Hybrid Open Access: Traditional subscription journals offer an OA option for individual articles, usually for a fee. Researchers should assess the cost-benefit ratio and seek institutional support if necessary.

2. Retaining Copyright and Licensing Rights

To prevent publishers from monopolizing their work, researchers should retain as many rights as possible:

• Creative Commons Licenses: Opt for licenses such as CC BY (Attribution), which allow others to use the work while giving credit to the original authors. This promotes wider dissemination while protecting authorship rights.
• Author Addenda: Use author addenda to modify publishing agreements, ensuring that researchers retain key rights, such as self-archiving and reuse for educational purposes.

3. Choosing the Right Journals

Selecting the right journals is critical for protecting researchers’ interests:

• Reputable Journals: Publish in well-established, reputable journals that adhere to ethical standards and have transparent publishing policies.
• Avoiding Predatory Journals: Be vigilant against predatory journals that charge high fees without providing proper editorial services or peer review. Resources like the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and Beall’s List can help identify credible OA journals.

4. Institutional and Funding Support

Institutions and funding bodies can play a pivotal role in protecting researchers:

• Institutional Repositories: Encourage researchers to deposit their work in institutional repositories, which provide long-term access and preservation without relying on publishers.
• Funding for APCs: Provide grants or subsidies for APCs to ease the financial burden on researchers, especially those from underfunded disciplines or institutions.
• Open Access Policies: Develop and enforce institutional policies that support open access publishing and the rights of researchers.

5. Preprints and Early Dissemination

Preprint servers allow researchers to share their findings before formal peer review, promoting rapid dissemination and feedback while retaining control over their work:

• Preprint Servers: Use reputable preprint servers like arXiv, bioRxiv, or SSRN to share early versions of research. This practice can establish priority and ensure broader access.
• Engaging with the Community: Actively participate in online forums and communities to discuss preprints, receive feedback, and improve the quality of the research before formal publication.

6. Collaborative Platforms and Open Peer Review

Embracing collaborative platforms and open peer review can enhance transparency and protect researchers’ work:

• Collaborative Tools: Utilize platforms like GitHub, Zenodo, and the Open Science Framework (OSF) to share data, methods, and findings. These platforms offer version control and attribution, ensuring researchers retain credit.
• Open Peer Review: Engage in open peer review processes where reviews are transparent and publicly available. This promotes accountability and fairness in the evaluation of research.

7. Educating and Empowering Researchers

Knowledge is power, and educating researchers about their rights and the publishing landscape is essential:

• Workshops and Training: Organize workshops and training sessions on open access, copyright management, and predatory publishing. These can equip researchers with the tools to make informed decisions.
• Resources and Support: Provide access to resources such as legal advice, template agreements, and negotiation strategies to help researchers retain control over their work.

8. Advocacy and Policy Development

Advocacy for systemic change is crucial for long-term protection of researchers:

• Advocating for Policy Change: Support policies at institutional, national, and international levels that promote open access and protect researchers’ rights.
• Collaborating with Stakeholders: Engage with funding bodies, policymakers, and academic societies to develop fair and sustainable open access models that benefit researchers.

Fostering a Sustainable and Equitable Research Ecosystem

In the era of open science, open access, and open research, protecting researchers and their work from publishing companies requires a multifaceted approach. By understanding open access models, retaining copyright, choosing reputable journals, leveraging institutional support, using preprints, embracing open peer review, educating researchers, and advocating for policy changes, the academic community can ensure that the principles of openness do not compromise the rights and interests of researchers. These strategies collectively foster a more equitable and transparent research ecosystem, where the benefits of open science are fully realized.

Photo via Social Science Space (S3)

In the quest to foster innovation and excellence in research, the evaluation process for funding proposals plays a pivotal role. Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive approach, DORA (Declaration on Research Assessment) has introduced “Balanced, Broad, Responsible: A Practical Guide for Research Evaluators.” This initiative comprises a short, informative video and a one-page brief designed to serve as invaluable resources for both public and private research funders.

The Need for a New Approach

The guide underscores the importance of research assessment in shaping the research culture. Traditionally, there has been an overreliance on quantitative metrics, which can limit evaluators’ ability to fully appreciate the breadth and impact of an applicant’s work. Just as research itself is dynamic and evolving, the methods used to assess research should also be subject to continuous improvement and innovation. This shift is essential to ensure that evaluations are holistic and reflective of the diverse contributions researchers make to their fields.

Practical Suggestions for Holistic Evaluation

To aid funders in adopting more responsible assessment practices, the guide provides a practical checklist with six key suggestions:

1. Align Decision-Making: Ensure that decisions align with the strategic objectives and specific criteria of the funding institution or instrument.
2. Balance Metrics: Clearly communicate the context and limitations of any quantitative metrics used and balance them with qualitative assessments of the funding proposal.
3. Broaden the Scope: Look beyond traditional metrics such as publications and grants to capture the full range of a researcher’s contributions, including activities like mentoring, community engagement, and collaborative projects.
4. Address Biases: Be mindful of biases that can arise from scientific and cultural stereotypes, striving to create a fair and inclusive evaluation process.
5. Promote Accountability: Encourage personal and group accountability for responsible research assessment throughout the evaluation process.
6. Manage Conflicts of Interest: If there is any uncertainty about potential conflicts of interest, seek guidance from the funding institution to ensure transparency and impartiality.

Implementing the Guide

The one-page brief offers practical suggestions for various contexts, including sharing the video and brief with grant evaluators, institutions, and researchers. By disseminating these resources widely, funders can promote a more balanced and responsible approach to research evaluation.

Collaborative Development

These resources are the result of a partnership between DORA and the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR). The development process included iterative feedback from the DORA Steering Committee, the DORA Funder Discussion Group, active researchers, and other funding agencies. This collaborative effort has ensured that the checklist is both practical and grounded in the real-world experiences of those involved in research funding and assessment.

To sum up, “Balanced, Broad, Responsible: A Practical Guide for Research Evaluators” represents a significant step towards improving how research proposals are evaluated. By embracing a more holistic approach, funders can better recognize and support the full spectrum of contributions that researchers make to their fields and society at large.

More at DORA

LIBER’s Open Access Working Group invites you to a pivotal webinar aimed at exploring the financial dimensions of transitioning to open access. This session will delve into findings from two recent studies and engage in a roundtable discussion on the implications for libraries’ open access strategies moving forward. The webinar is scheduled for 03 September 2024, at 14:00 CEST, and will be conducted online.

Webinar Facilitator

Dr. Birgit Schmidt, the Head of Knowledge Commons at the Göttingen State and University Library, will facilitate this insightful webinar. Dr. Schmidt brings extensive expertise in open access and knowledge management, promising an engaging and informative session.

Registration

To participate in this webinar, please register here. Your insights and perspectives will be valuable additions to the discussions.

Background

Research libraries worldwide are reevaluating their open access strategies, including moving away from traditional big deals with publishers. Empirical data on current investments in open access and its impact on the publishing landscape is crucial for libraries as they negotiate with publishers and support alternative models like diamond open access.

The studies to be discussed are based on open data, showcasing the potential for transparent analysis in scholarly publishing. These analyses highlight gaps in monitoring the open access transition, offering valuable information for library decision-making.

Speakers and Topics

Bianca Kramer, Independent Research Analyst at Sesame Open Science

Bianca Kramer specializes in open science, open metadata, and open infrastructure. She will present findings from her report on:

Scientific Publishing in Europe: Development, Diversity, and Transparency of Costs

Commissioned by the European Commission, this report investigates the financial aspects of open access, focusing on the transparency of transformative agreements with publishers. It includes an analysis of publication patterns in 27 EU countries (plus the UK, Norway, and Switzerland), with particular attention to diamond open access and journals not included in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ). The report offers targeted recommendations for member states, institutions, and libraries to enhance transparency and encourage publishers to do the same.

Najko Jahn, Data Analyst at the State and University Library Göttingen, University of Göttingen

Najko Jahn’s work centers on scholarly communication analytics. He will discuss his preprint on:

How Open Are Hybrid Journals Included in Transformative Agreements?

This preprint analyzes the development and limitations of open access in hybrid journals. Based on data from transformative agreements covering 12,000 hybrid journals, it reveals the varying uptake of open access across different publishers and countries. While some European countries have significantly increased their open access share through these agreements, the overall implementation levels do not yet indicate a large-scale transition from subscription-based to full open access publishing.

Final remarks

This webinar presents an invaluable opportunity for librarians, researchers, and open access advocates to gain insights into the financial intricacies of open access and engage in meaningful discussions on shaping future strategies. Join us to learn from the experts and contribute to the dialogue on advancing open access in scholarly publishing.

Facilitator Contact:
Dr. Birgit Schmidt
Head of Knowledge Commons, Göttingen State and University Library

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a significant conversation on the future of open access. Register now and bring your perspectives to the table.

European repositories play an essential role in the open science ecosystem by acquiring, preserving, and providing open access to vast amounts of valuable research outputs. In January 2023, four leading organizations—OpenAIRE, LIBER, SPARC Europe, and COAR—launched a collaborative strategy to bolster the European repository network. This initiative seeks to highlight the importance of repositories, disseminate best practices, and support the creation of robust national networks.

Survey of European Repositories

The first phase of this strategy involved a comprehensive survey conducted from February to March 2023, aimed at mapping the current European repository landscape. The findings underscored the crucial role repositories play as non-profit infrastructure in the open science framework, managing tens or even hundreds of millions of research outputs. However, the survey also highlighted three significant challenges that repositories face:

1. Software Platform Maintenance: Repositories need to maintain up-to-date, highly functional software platforms to ensure seamless operations.
2. Best Practices Implementation: There is a need for consistent and comprehensive best practices in metadata, preservation, and usage statistics across repositories.
3. Visibility in the Scholarly Ecosystem: Repositories must achieve better visibility and integration within the broader scholarly community.

Developing a Vision for the Future

In response to these challenges, OpenAIRE, LIBER, SPARC Europe, and COAR have decided to draft a position paper outlining a collective vision for the future of European repositories. To ensure this vision is well-informed and comprehensive, the organizations are seeking input from a wide range of stakeholders through an open consultation process.

Participate in the Consultation

The consultation aims to gather valuable insights and feedback from various communities, which will inform the initial draft of the position paper. This draft will subsequently be refined through focus groups. The consultation is open until the end of August 2024, and your participation is crucial.

We invite all stakeholders to share their opinions and contribute to shaping the future of European repositories. Your input will play a vital role in enhancing the repository infrastructure, ultimately supporting the advancement of open science.

Contribute with your opinion.

Thank you for your time and valuable contributions.

Jul 23, 2024, 14:00 CEST: Bibliographic citation, the practice of referring from a citing entity to the cited one, is a foundational activity for authors in creating any scholarly work. This acknowledgment of sources is essential to the scholarly enterprise, forming the backbone of academic integrity and intellectual development. By weaving together a network of citations from academic articles, books, conference proceedings, and more, researchers can navigate the vast landscape of knowledge and build upon existing work.

The Role of Citations in Research
For various scholars, citations serve as a critical tool:

• PhD students rely on citations to survey the literature for their theses, finding relevant articles to support their research.
• Senior researchers use citations to continually discover new material and deepen their understanding of specific topics.
• Reviewers examine citations to ensure that the cited works are current and well-integrated with other research.
• Professors crafting project proposals utilize citations to identify recent advancements and establish valuable connections.

These examples illustrate the diverse ways citations support the academic community, enhancing the credibility and depth of scholarly work.

Understanding the Reasons Behind Citations
The motives for citing previous works are varied. Authors typically cite sources to acknowledge assistance received in the form of background information, ideas, methodologies, or data. However, citations can also serve other purposes, such as reviewing, critiquing, or refuting earlier works. Understanding these citation intents is crucial for appreciating the full context of scholarly communication.

Advancing Citation Analysis with GraspOS
In an upcoming seminar, existing data models for classifying citation intents, or functions, will be introduced. These models are being utilized as a foundation within the GraspOS project. The seminar will also showcase a tool under development designed to extract citation semantics from scholarly articles in PDF format. This tool aims to enhance our ability to analyze and understand the intricate web of academic citations, thereby supporting more nuanced and informed research practices.

By delving into the reasons behind citations and leveraging advanced tools to analyze them, the GraspOS project aspires to enrich the scholarly community’s understanding of citation dynamics and improve the overall quality of academic research.

Register here: Zoom Meeting

By Heidi Seibold

Overview

Reproducible research is crucial for advancing science, allowing others to verify results and build upon previous work. This guide outlines six impactful steps to make your research reproducible and open. It is structured to help you implement these steps gradually, depending on your current practices and goals.

1. Get Your Files and Folders in Order

The Importance of Organization

A well-organized file and folder structure is fundamental for managing complex research projects. It helps you and your collaborators find files quickly, reduces redundancy, and prevents errors.

Suggested Folder Structure

Here is a basic template for organizing your research project:

.
└── project-name
    ├── analysis       # Data analysis files
    ├── src            # Source files and functions
    ├── comm           # Communication documents
    │   ├── internal-comm
    │   └── journal-comm
    ├── data
    │   ├── data_clean
    │   └── data_raw   # Untouched raw data
    ├── dissemination  # Manuscripts, posters, presentations
    ├── documentation  # Documentation files
    └── misc           # Miscellaneous files

This structure can be tailored to fit the specific needs of your project.

Your Tasks

• Review and reorganize your current projects using a similar structure.
• Discuss with collaborators and adjust the structure based on feedback.

2. Use Good Names

The Power of Naming

Good naming conventions for files, folders, and functions can significantly improve the clarity and usability of your project.

Examples of Bad and Good Names

Bad:

• Myabstract.docx
• figure 1.png

Good:

• 2024-07-08_abstract-for-conference.docx
• Fig01_scatterplot-talk-length-vs-interest.png

Naming Guidelines

• Machine readable: Avoid spaces and special characters.
• Human readable: Use descriptive names.
• Consistent: Stick to a naming convention throughout your project.
• Default ordering: Use dates in YYYY-MM-DD format.

Your Tasks

• Audit and improve naming conventions in your current project.
• Establish and adhere to a naming convention.

3. Document with Care

Importance of Documentation

Proper documentation ensures that others (and your future self) can understand and reproduce your work.

Key Documentation Practices

• README: Include a README file in each project outlining its purpose, involved parties, and key information.
• Code Documentation: Use literate programming or clear comments to explain your code.
• Metadata: Document information about your data, including its origin, content, and licensing.

Your Tasks

• Create or update the README file in your current project.
• Start or improve code commenting practices.
• Ensure metadata is documented.

4. Version Control

Why Version Control?

Version control is essential for tracking changes, collaborating with others, and maintaining a history of your work.

Using Git

Git is the most popular version control system, allowing you to track changes, collaborate, and revert to previous versions easily.

Steps to Get Started

1. Install Git.
2. Create an account on GitHub or GitLab.
3. Initialize a repository and start committing your changes.

Your Tasks

• Set up Git for your current project.
• Learn Git through tutorials or workshops.

5. Stabilize Your Computing Environment and Software

Avoiding Environment Issues

Stabilizing your computing environment ensures that your code runs consistently over time, regardless of updates to software or operating systems.

Strategies

1. Record your computing environment: Document software versions using tools like sessionInfo() in R.
2. Virtual Machines: Use virtual machines to encapsulate your environment.
3. Containers: Utilize Docker or Apptainer for portable and shareable environments.

Your Tasks

• Choose a method for stabilizing your environment.
• Implement this method in your current project.

6. Publish Your Research Outputs

Sharing Your Work

Publishing your research outputs ensures that others can access and build on your work.

Options for Publishing

• General purpose repositories: Zenodo, Open Science Framework.
• Institutional repositories: University-specific services.
• Field-specific repositories: Discipline-focused platforms.

If Data Cannot Be Shared Openly

Consider publishing metadata, synthetic data, or sharing data with specific researchers if your data is sensitive.

Your Tasks

• Identify suitable repositories for your field.
• Start publishing your data and code in these repositories.

Conclusion

Reproducible research enhances the credibility and impact of your work. By implementing these six steps, you can make your research more transparent and accessible. Remember, improving reproducibility is a gradual process—take it one step at a time and continuously seek to enhance your practices.

Seibold, H. (2024). 6 Steps Towards Reproducible Research. Zenodo. https://zenodo.org/records/12744715

Implementing for Impact: Measuring Open Science for the SDGs

Register Now

In the quest to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), open science and open scholarship emerge as crucial catalysts. These frameworks foster a collaborative and transparent environment, essential for driving progress across all SDGs. Yet, the path to embracing and assessing open science is marred by diverse methodologies and a global disparity in research and development. UNESCO’s Open Science Outlook 1 cautions that the “cultural shift to open science will only be possible with adequate monitoring of its impacts, including its possible unintended consequences for science and/or society.”

Against this backdrop, the United Nations’ Dag Hammarskjöld Library is set to host a pivotal side event to the High-Level Political Forum. The biennial UN Open Science Conference, organized by the Dag Hammarskjöld Library in collaboration with its partners, frequently underscores the need for academic institutions to transcend conventional metrics. Instead, these institutions are encouraged to reclaim their transformative role in society, aligning research agendas with global significance rather than mere journal visibility. Key questions arise: How do global policies aimed at promoting open science and the SDGs influence local research evaluation frameworks? What is their impact on individual researchers and their contributions? Do these policies facilitate or obstruct the realization of the SDGs?

To explore these critical issues, a distinguished panel of speakers has been assembled:

• Dr. Suchiradipta Bhattacharjee, International Water Management Institute
• Dr. Yensi Flores-Bueso, Global Young Academy
• Dr. Elizabeth (Lizzie) Gadd, Loughborough University, Coalition on Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA)
• Dr. Geeta Swamy, Duke University, Higher Education Leadership Initiative for Open Scholarship (HELIOS)
• Dr. Giannis Tsakonas, University of Patras, LIBER Europe

Moderator: Mx. Meg Wacha, Dag Hammarskjöld Library

This virtual panel discussion will take place on 17 July 2024, from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. (EDT – New York Time). It promises to be a vital conversation, bringing together diverse perspectives on the intersection of open science and sustainable development, and the ways in which policy can influence and accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs.

Join for this essential event to understand how the global shift towards open science can be measured and managed to ensure positive outcomes for science and society alike. Register now to secure your place in this important dialogue.