Research

The concept of open research stands as a beacon of transparency and collaboration. Yet, beneath its surface lies a nuanced landscape of microenvironmental and macroenvironmental effects that shape its outcomes. In this article, we delve into the multifaceted impacts of open research, examining both its immediate and overarching consequences with a professional lens.

Microenvironmental Effects: At the microenvironmental level, open research fosters unprecedented transparency and collaboration among individual researchers and their immediate circles. By sharing findings, methodologies, and data openly, scholars can scrutinize, validate, and build upon each other’s work more efficiently. However, this open exchange also poses challenges, including issues related to data integrity, reproducibility, and ethical considerations. As such, navigating the dynamics of open research demands careful attention to the intricacies of individual research environments.

Macroenvironmental Effects: Zooming out to the macroenvironmental scale, the impacts of open research extend far beyond individual research settings, encompassing broader societal and ecological considerations. On one hand, open research holds the promise of democratizing access to knowledge, breaking down barriers to information for diverse communities worldwide. Yet, it also disrupts traditional models of academic publishing, posing economic challenges for publishers and threatening the livelihoods of those involved in the scholarly dissemination process. Moreover, questions of information equity and global knowledge distribution emerge, highlighting the need for equitable access and representation in the open research landscape.

To sum up, the effects of open research span both microenvironmental and macroenvironmental domains, presenting a complex interplay of opportunities and challenges. As scholars and stakeholders navigate this terrain, it is essential to maintain a professional stance, acknowledging the nuances of both individual research contexts and broader societal impacts. By doing so, we can harness the potential of open research to drive innovation, collaboration, and positive change within the academic and global communities.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our daily lives, reshaping how we interact with technology and influencing various sectors, including research and innovation. In recent years, there has been an unprecedented surge in advancements in AI, driven by factors such as increased data availability, enhanced computing power, and breakthroughs in machine learning algorithms. Among these advancements, the development of generative AI, capable of producing content across multiple domains, has garnered significant attention.

Generative AI, powered by foundation models trained on extensive unlabelled data, has led to the emergence of ‘General Purpose AI,’ capable of generating diverse content, including text, images, code, and more. The quality of output generated by these models often rivals that of human-generated content, blurring the lines between artificial and human creativity.

However, with the widespread adoption of generative AI comes a host of challenges and ethical considerations. The proliferation of AI-generated content raises concerns about the spread of disinformation and the potential misuse of AI for unethical purposes. In the realm of research, while generative AI holds promise for accelerating scientific discovery and improving research processes, it also poses risks to research integrity and raises questions about responsible use.

To address these challenges, the European Research Area Forum, in collaboration with various stakeholders, has developed guidelines for the responsible use of generative AI in research. These guidelines aim to provide researchers, research organizations, and funding bodies with a framework for utilizing generative AI ethically and effectively.

Key Principles:

The guidelines are built upon key principles drawn from existing frameworks, including the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity and guidelines on trustworthy AI developed by the High-Level Expert Group on AI. These principles encompass reliability, honesty, respect, and accountability throughout the research process.

Recommendations for Researchers:

1. Maintain Responsibility: Researchers are ultimately accountable for the integrity of content generated using AI tools and must remain critical of the output’s limitations and potential biases.
2. Transparency: Researchers should transparently disclose the use of generative AI tools in their research processes, detailing how they were utilized and acknowledging any limitations or biases.
3. Privacy and Intellectual Property: Researchers must exercise caution when sharing sensitive information with AI tools, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and respecting intellectual property rights.
4. Legal Compliance: Researchers should adhere to national, EU, and international legislation, especially concerning intellectual property rights and personal data protection.
5. Continuous Learning: Researchers should stay updated on best practices for using generative AI tools and undergo regular training to maximize their benefits.
6. Sensitive Activities: Researchers should refrain from substantially using generative AI in sensitive activities that could impact other researchers or organizations, such as peer review processes.

Recommendations for Research Organizations:

1. Supportive Environment: Research organizations should promote, guide, and support the responsible use of generative AI in research activities, providing training and guidelines for ethical usage.
2. Monitoring and Oversight: Organizations should actively monitor the development and use of generative AI systems within their institutions, providing feedback, and guidance to researchers.
3. Integration of Guidelines: Research organizations should integrate generative AI guidelines into their existing research practices and ethics guidelines, fostering open discussions and consultations with stakeholders.
4. Local Governance: Whenever possible, organizations should implement locally hosted or cloud-based generative AI tools that they govern themselves, ensuring data protection and confidentiality.

Recommendations for Research Funding Organizations:

1. Promotion and Support: Funding organizations should promote and support the responsible use of generative AI in research, aligning funding instruments with ethical guidelines and legal requirements.
2. Internal Usage: Funding organizations should transparently and responsibly use generative AI in their internal processes, ensuring fairness and confidentiality.
3. Transparency from Applicants: Funding organizations should request transparency from applicants regarding their use of generative AI, facilitating ways for applicants to report its usage.
4. Monitoring and Training: Funding organizations should monitor and actively participate in the evolving landscape of generative AI, funding training programs for ethical and responsible AI use in research.

The responsible use of generative AI in research requires a collaborative effort from researchers, research organizations, and funding bodies. By adhering to ethical guidelines and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, we can harness the potential of AI to advance scientific knowledge while mitigating potential risks and safeguarding research integrity.

More at EU Website

Join us in advancing open science principles worldwide! As per the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science, adopted during the General Conference’s 41st session on November 23, 2021, we invite you to actively participate in shaping the future of scientific collaboration and accessibility.

Member States, committed to transparency and inclusivity, will be convening for regular progress updates every four years. We encourage your engagement and input as we collectively work towards realizing the transformative potential of open science.

To facilitate our collaborative efforts, we have established:

1. Open Science Steering Committee Meetings: These sessions provide a platform for strategic oversight and guidance, ensuring coherence in our global endeavors. Join us for our upcoming meetings on April 4th, May 17th, April 30th, May 15th, and June 3rd, 2024, as we track progress and address challenges together.
2. Intersectoral Task Team Gatherings: Comprising experts from diverse sectors, these meetings offer comprehensive oversight and guidance to advance open science initiatives. Your participation is vital in ensuring a holistic approach to our endeavors. Join us for our scheduled meetings on April 4th, April 17th, April 30th, May 15th, and June 3rd, 2024.

Your involvement is crucial as we implement the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science. Together, we can create a more accessible and collaborative scientific landscape.

Furthermore, we invite you to explore our ongoing efforts through:

• Open Science Working Groups: Engage with experts in critical areas such as capacity building, policy development, funding mechanisms, infrastructures, and monitoring frameworks. You can contribute by attending scheduled meetings or registering for upcoming ones.
• Global Open Science Partnership: Join us in fostering technical advice and guidance, facilitating collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
• Toolkit Development: Contribute to the development of practical resources for Member States and stakeholders, ensuring effective implementation of open science principles.

Your participation is essential in shaping the future of open science. Let’s work together to realize its full potential and ensure equitable access to scientific knowledge for all.

For more information and to register for meetings, please visit UNESCO Open Science Meetings Portal. Together, let’s embrace the culture and practice of open science for a brighter future.

We look forward to your active involvement!

In academia and scientific inquiry, a new beacon shines brightly: sustainable research. Beyond the conventional pursuit of knowledge, sustainable research embodies a profound commitment to not only understand the world but also to safeguard it for future generations. With an infectious passion for progress and a dash of eco-consciousness, sustainable research is revolutionizing the way we explore, innovate, and envision the future.

Picture this: laboratories bustling with fervent activity, not just in the pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries but also in the quest for sustainability. From reducing carbon footprints to minimizing waste, every aspect of the research process is infused with a green ethos. It’s not merely about the end result; it’s about how we get there and the impact we leave behind.

At the heart of sustainable research lies a fundamental shift in mindset. Gone are the days of reckless exploitation of resources in the name of progress. Instead, researchers are embracing the challenge of sustainability as an integral part of their mission. It’s about finding harmony between scientific advancement and environmental stewardship, a delicate dance where each step forward is a step toward a greener, more sustainable future.

But what exactly does sustainable research look like in action? Imagine scientists meticulously designing experiments to minimize waste and maximize efficiency. Picture research facilities powered by renewable energy sources, where even the humble laboratory notebook is made from recycled materials. It’s a holistic approach that extends beyond the confines of the lab, encompassing everything from transportation to conferences and beyond.

One of the most inspiring aspects of sustainable research is its collaborative nature. Across disciplines and borders, researchers are joining forces to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our planet. Whether it’s developing eco-friendly materials, devising sustainable agricultural practices, or exploring renewable energy solutions, the spirit of cooperation is driving innovation like never before.

Of course, sustainable research isn’t without its challenges. It requires a fundamental rethinking of established practices and a willingness to embrace change. It demands patience, perseverance, and a willingness to question the status quo. But the rewards are immeasurable: a world where scientific progress and environmental preservation go hand in hand, where innovation is not just a force for change but a force for good.

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of sustainable research is its potential to inspire a new generation of scientists. As young minds across the globe witness the power of research to effect positive change, they are emboldened to dream big and aim high. They see in sustainable research not just a career but a calling, a chance to leave their mark on the world in a way that is both meaningful and enduring.

So, as we look to the future, let us embrace the spirit of sustainable research with open arms and boundless enthusiasm. Let us celebrate the pioneers who are leading the charge toward a greener, more sustainable world. And let us remember that every breakthrough, every discovery, and every innovation brings us one step closer to realizing that vision. With sustainable research as our guide, the possibilities are limitless, and the future is bright.

Photo via ETF

In the vast ocean of scholarly communication, open access has emerged as a beacon of light, promising unrestricted access to knowledge. However, navigating the complexities of open access licenses can feel like setting sail without a map. To shed light on this matter, we embark on a journey to explore the classification of licenses for open access and their implications for the dissemination of knowledge.

Open access, at its core, is about making research freely available to anyone with an internet connection. Yet, achieving this goal involves more than simply removing paywalls. Licenses play a pivotal role in defining the terms under which content is shared, determining how it can be used, reused, and redistributed.

The most common framework for open access licensing is provided by Creative Commons, a nonprofit organization that offers a range of licenses tailored to different levels of openness. These licenses are designed to strike a balance between promoting access to information and protecting the rights of creators. Let’s embark on a voyage through the seas of open access licenses:

1. CC BY (Attribution): This license is akin to a sturdy ship, providing the most freedom for users. It allows others to distribute, remix, tweak, and build upon the work, even commercially, as long as they credit the original creator. Like a well-charted route, CC BY facilitates widespread dissemination of knowledge while ensuring proper attribution.
2. CC BY-SA (Attribution-ShareAlike): Imagine this license as a vessel that encourages collaborative exploration. It permits users to remix, tweak, and build upon the work, even for commercial purposes, as long as they credit the original creator and license their new creations under the same terms. Like sailors sharing their discoveries, CC BY-SA fosters a community of knowledge sharing and collaboration.
3. CC BY-NC (Attribution-NonCommercial): This license sets sail on a voyage with a different destination—non-commercial use. It allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as they credit the original creator. Like a ship navigating calm waters, CC BY-NC protects against commercial exploitation while promoting educational and non-profit endeavors.
4. CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike): Picture this license as a vessel sailing in the waters of education and collaboration. It allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as they credit the original creator and license their new creations under the same terms. Like a fleet of ships sharing resources, CC BY-NC-SA fosters educational initiatives and collaborative endeavors.
5. CC BY-NC-ND (Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives): This license anchors itself firmly, allowing others to download the works and share them with others as long as they credit the original creator, but they can’t change them in any way or use them commercially. It’s like a lighthouse guiding ships away from alterations and commercial ventures, preserving the integrity of the original work.

As we navigate these classifications, it’s essential to recognize that the choice of license carries profound implications. For creators, it shapes how their work is disseminated and utilized. For users, it determines the extent to which they can engage with and build upon existing knowledge.

Understanding the classification of licenses for open access is akin to mastering the art of navigation. By charting a course that balances openness with respect for intellectual property rights, we can navigate these waters with confidence, ensuring that the treasures of knowledge are accessible to all who seek them. So, as you set sail in the realm of open access, may your journey be guided by the principles of transparency, collaboration, and the free exchange of ideas. Bon voyage!

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In the labyrinthine corridors of scientific inquiry, access to knowledge isn’t merely a luxury—it’s the very foundation upon which discoveries are built. However, these corridors are often barricaded by copyright and related rights, leaving researchers stranded in legal gray zones or stifled by restrictive laws. The Right to Research, a fundamental tenet, faces numerous hurdles due to outdated copyright frameworks, hindering progress and collaboration in the scientific community.

Across the globe, researchers navigate a complex web of copyright laws, some offering broad exceptions and flexibilities, while others impose prohibitive restrictions. The European Union recently embarked on a reform journey to mitigate these obstacles, notably embracing Text and Data Mining (TDM), a modern method crucial for sifting through vast troves of data. However, while this represents a step forward, it falls short of addressing all the needs of researchers.

A critical limitation arises in the realm of communication rights. The inability to share research results due to copyright constraints obstructs transparency, impedes compliance with open access requirements, and stifles collaborative endeavors. The struggle isn’t merely academic; it’s a tangible barrier that impedes progress on a global scale.

To shed light on these challenges, the Right to Research in International Copyright Law project conducted interviews with European and non-European researchers. Their experiences paint a vivid picture of the hurdles they face daily. From restricted access to national libraries to the inability to scrape online content, each story underscores the urgency for reform.

The call for change echoes not only at the national but also at the EU and international levels. At the national level, policymakers must amend copyright laws to accommodate research needs, ensuring access to all forms of copyrighted materials. Simultaneously, they must safeguard research uses from contractual and technological overrides.

Within the EU, while TDM has gained ground, broader research rights are imperative to foster a level playing field and facilitate cross-border initiatives. This necessitates a comprehensive exception to copyright for scientific research, empowering researchers to reproduce and share protected materials seamlessly.

Internationally, policymakers must collaborate on establishing non-binding instruments to support copyright reforms conducive to scientific research. An international agreement on minimum standards for research is crucial to harmonize laws globally and foster cross-border collaboration.

The path forward is clear: unlocking the gates of knowledge demands a concerted effort to reform copyright laws. By protecting the Right to Research at all levels, we pave the way for a future where innovation knows no bounds. It’s time to tear down the barriers that obstruct the pursuit of knowledge and embrace a world where the doors to discovery swing wide open for all.

Editors:
Teresa Nobre, COMMUNIA
Maria Drabczyk, Centrum Cyfrowe
Eric Luth, Wikimedia Sverige
Deborah De Angelis, DDA Law Firm
Maja Bogataj Jančič, Intellectual Property Institute

Designer:
Magda Arażny, magdarysuje.pl

Original – click here

In an era where information is touted as the ultimate commodity, access to scientific research remains a battleground. Dr. Cathy Foley, Australia’s chief scientist, has embarked on a mission to dismantle the fortress of journal publishers, advocating for a world-first open access model that promises to democratize knowledge like never before.

Imagine a world where every Australian, regardless of their affiliations or financial status, has access to the latest research papers for free. It’s a vision that challenges the status quo, where valuable insights are often locked behind expensive paywalls, leaving many in the dark.

Dr. Averil Cook, a clinical psychologist, aptly compares the current state of scientific research to the Latin mass of the past, where only fragments of knowledge are accessible to the public. As professionals strive to stay abreast of advancements in their fields, they often find themselves constrained by exorbitant subscription fees and limited access.

But the tide is turning. Dr. Foley’s open access model aims to dismantle the monopolistic grip of journal publishers, offering a centralized digital library accessible to all Australians. With a MyGov account or involvement in education, individuals would have unrestricted access to a wealth of research papers, transcending the barriers imposed by traditional publishing models.

The implications of this paradigm shift are profound. No longer would knowledge be confined to ivory towers or restricted by financial constraints. Dr. Foley boldly challenges the notion that publishers should control the dissemination of knowledge, arguing that researchers shouldn’t have to relinquish their work to profit-driven entities.

At the heart of this movement lies a fundamental question of equity. Should access to knowledge be a privilege reserved for the elite few, or a fundamental right accessible to all? Dr. Foley’s vision aligns with the latter, envisioning a future where information flows freely, empowering individuals across all sectors of society.

Yet, challenges remain. Despite the growing momentum towards open access, entrenched interests and institutional inertia pose formidable obstacles. Skeptics raise concerns about the economic viability of such a model and its potential impact on academic budgets.

Nevertheless, Dr. Foley remains undeterred. With the support of stakeholders, universities, and forward-thinking publishers, she champions a vision of inclusivity and accessibility. By pooling resources and leveraging Australia’s considerable investment in research, her model promises to break down barriers and revolutionize the dissemination of knowledge.

As the world watches, Australia stands at the forefront of a global movement towards open access. Dr. Foley’s pioneering efforts may well redefine the landscape of scientific research, ushering in a new era of collaboration, innovation, and enlightenment.

In the words of Dr. Averil Cook, “Science has been curated by people in power. This information affects our lives, the people we see, and there’s no way to access it except through a filtered and biased medium.” Dr. Foley’s model seeks to dismantle these barriers, heralding a future where knowledge truly belongs to the people.

Source: The Guardian

In the age of digital transformation, where information is readily accessible with just a few clicks, we often take for granted the persistence of scholarly knowledge. However, recent studies shed light on a concerning issue: the inadequate preservation of academic research in the digital world. Let’s delve into the intricate web of digital preservation and its implications for the scholarly community.

The Evolution of Preservation

Traditionally, libraries played a crucial role in safeguarding knowledge by housing physical copies of scientific publications. This ensured that even if a publisher went bankrupt or a library closed, information remained accessible. However, with the transition to digital formats, the landscape of preservation has shifted.

Organizations like Crossref introduced systems such as the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) to provide permanent pointers to digital documents, promising continued access to scholarly works. These systems rely on the existence of “dark archives,” repositories containing copies of documents assigned DOIs, to mitigate the risk of information loss.

The Alarming Reality

A recent survey conducted by Martin Eve, utilizing Crossref data, unveils a troubling reality. Despite the existence of preservation systems, a significant portion of digital documents remains inadequately preserved. Of the 7,438,037 DOIs examined, approximately 27.64% are seemingly unpreserved, posing a substantial risk to the longevity of academic research.

Moreover, the study reveals a preservation deficit among Crossref members. Shockingly, only a mere 0.96% can confirm digitally preserving over 75% of their content across multiple archives. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of addressing the shortcomings in digital preservation practices.

Navigating the Preservation Landscape

While the study provides valuable insights, it’s essential to acknowledge its limitations. It focuses solely on a subset of archives and tracks articles with DOIs, overlooking institutional repository coverage. Nonetheless, these findings serve as a wake-up call for libraries, publishers, and researchers to reassess their approach to digital preservation.

Charting a Path Forward

As we confront the challenges of digital preservation, collaborative efforts are imperative. Establishing clear standards and investing in robust preservation infrastructure are critical steps towards ensuring the endurance of scholarly knowledge in the digital age. Furthermore, raising awareness among stakeholders about the importance of preservation is paramount in addressing this pressing issue.

The preservation of scholarly research in the digital era demands concerted action. By recognizing the significance of this issue and committing to proactive measures, we can safeguard the integrity and accessibility of academic knowledge for generations to come. Let us heed the warning signs and work towards building a resilient digital preservation ecosystem that upholds the principles of scholarly inquiry and discovery.

Eve, M. P., (2024) “Digital Scholarly Journals Are Poorly Preserved: A Study of 7 Million Articles”, Journal of Librarianship and Scholarly Communication 12(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/jlsc.16288

Dear Policymakers,

In a world increasingly reliant on innovation and collaboration, the principles of open science have emerged as a beacon of progress. Open science, characterized by the free exchange of knowledge, data, and methodologies, holds the promise of accelerating scientific discovery, fostering transparency, and driving societal impact. As stewards of progress, you hold a pivotal role in shaping policies that support and promote open science initiatives. Here are some useful pieces of advice to guide your efforts:

1. Embrace Open Access: Encourage and incentivize researchers to publish their findings in open access journals or repositories. By removing barriers to access, you enable broader dissemination of knowledge, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs reach the widest possible audience. Additionally, consider mandating open access policies for publicly funded research to maximize the return on investment for taxpayers.
2. Foster Collaborative Platforms: Invest in infrastructure and platforms that facilitate collaboration and data sharing among researchers. Create incentives for scientists to share data, code, and methodologies openly, promoting reproducibility and accelerating the pace of discovery. By fostering a culture of collaboration, you lay the foundation for groundbreaking interdisciplinary research and innovation.
3. Support Open Data Initiatives: Recognize the value of data as a public good and prioritize efforts to make research data openly accessible and reusable. Develop policies that mandate data management plans, ensuring that data generated through publicly funded research is preserved and shared responsibly. By unlocking the potential of data, you empower researchers to address pressing societal challenges and drive evidence-based policymaking.
4. Promote Open Science Education: Integrate open science principles into educational curricula at all levels, from primary schools to universities. Equip the next generation of scientists with the skills and mindset necessary to embrace open practices, collaboration, and transparency. By fostering a culture of openness from the outset, you cultivate a community of researchers committed to advancing the frontiers of knowledge for the greater good.
5. Invest in Open Infrastructure: Allocate resources to develop and maintain open-source tools, platforms, and repositories that support the open science ecosystem. Ensure that researchers have access to reliable infrastructure for data storage, sharing, and analysis, regardless of their geographic location or institutional affiliation. By investing in open infrastructure, you create a level playing field for researchers and promote inclusivity and diversity in the scientific community.
6. Engage Stakeholders: Foster dialogue and collaboration among policymakers, researchers, funding agencies, and civil society to co-create policies that advance the principles of open science. Solicit feedback from diverse stakeholders to ensure that policies are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the evolving needs of the scientific community. By engaging stakeholders as partners in the policymaking process, you build trust, foster buy-in, and maximize the impact of your initiatives.

Embracing open science is not just a matter of scientific integrity but a strategic imperative for driving innovation, advancing knowledge, and addressing global challenges. By heeding these pieces of advice and championing policies that promote openness, collaboration, and transparency, you have the power to unlock the full potential of science for the betterment of society.

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