24 July 2023
In recent months, several European countries have taken significant strides towards advancing open science by introducing or renewing their national open science strategies. These policies are designed to foster coordination and collaboration in the development and implementation of open access, research assessment reform, and other crucial aspects of open science among various national stakeholders.
Science Europe, a prominent organization promoting the advancement of science, has warmly welcomed these new national strategies, emphasizing their alignment with Science Europe's Direction Paper on Open Science. Recognizing the importance of open science in building a robust research system, these strategies aim to create a conducive environment for the promotion of knowledge sharing and responsible research practices.
Among the recent national strategies unveiled are those of Spain in May 2023, Slovenia in May 2023, and Romania in December 2022. These initiatives add to the existing open science strategies in place in other European countries, including long-standing policies in France and the Netherlands.
Beyond the European continent, the United States has also made significant strides in embracing open science principles. The US White House Office of Science and Technology Policy initiated the "Year of Open Science" in January 2023. The year-long program features various actions across the federal government, all dedicated to advancing a national open science policy in the United States.
To further explore the role of national strategies in the overall development and implementation of open science policies, experts and participants came together at the Science Europe Conference on Open Science. Held on 18-19 October 2022, the conference provided a platform for insightful discussions on how these strategies and action plans contribute to the coherence of national systems. A key focus of the discussions was ensuring that all relevant actors and researchers, irrespective of their career stages, are meaningfully engaged in the open science process.
The conference served as a vital opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences, shedding light on how national strategies play an integral role in shaping open science practices across different countries. Expert speakers shared valuable insights, and participants actively contributed to the dialogue, further enhancing the understanding of the transformative power of open science.
For those interested in delving deeper into the discussions and insights from the conference, presentations from the event can be accessed on the conference webpage. Additionally, a comprehensive conference report is available for those seeking a comprehensive overview of the key highlights and takeaways.
With the launch of these new national open science strategies and the growing recognition of the importance of open science across the globe, the research community is moving towards a more collaborative, inclusive, and impactful future. As countries join hands to foster open science practices and share knowledge openly, the stage is set for accelerated scientific progress and enhanced societal benefits.