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UNESCO Working Group on Open Science Monitoring Framework

 

UNESCO has set up five working groups, each targeting key impact areas crucial for implementing the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science (OS) adopted on 23 November 2021. While the Recommendation affirmed the importance of open science as a vital tool to improve the quality and accessibility of both scientific outputs and scientific processes, these working groups brought together experts and open science entities from various fields and domains to address distinct yet interconnected topics and challenges essential to the implementation of the Recommendation.

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On 17th April 2024, the Working Group on Open Science Monitoring presented their shared principles and the feedback from CERN-NASA Working Group 4: Evidence-based Policy for Open Science. 

The shared principles involve that Member States should report their progress in implementing the Recommendation every four years. The monitoring should involve a) the effectiveness and the efficiency of Open Science policies and incentives; b) collecting and disseminating information on progress, good practice, and innovation; c) developing a monitoring framework with qualitative and quantitative indicators, within national strategic plans and with objectives in the short, medium- and long-term. The monitoring should furthermore be kept under public oversight and include the scientific community; d) strategies to monitor the effectiveness and long-term efficiency of Open Science, with a focus on strengthening the connection between science, policy, and society. 

The presenters pointed out that monitoring Open Science is different from monitoring the implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science. It is a complex endeavour that includes multiple surveys from Member States. The actors generally agree that principles are required for monitoring Open Science, but the framework has yet to be defined. The Open Science Monitoring Initiative (OSMI), which brings together institutions and individuals involved in monitoring Open Science, submitted a draft version of Principles of Open Science Monitoring to UNESCO on March 28th, 2024.

The presenters also included examples of existing national monitoring initiatives, such as the Danish Open Access Indicator, the French Open Science Monitor, the Helmholtz Association’s Open Access Monitor for Germany, and Curtin University’s Open Knowledge Initiative (COKI).

The conclusion was that the challenge remains that while the monitoring largely focuses on open access to publications, other indicators must be included, such as research data, Open Science impact, citizen science, number of people involved, type of software being used, and more to ensure the diversity of approaches is acknowledged.

The next UNESCO Working Group meeting will be held on 30 April 2024. You can register easily using the links below.

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