Can open science inform the world’s response to global crises?

In an increasingly interconnected world, the need to handle global challenges has never been more pressing. From pandemics and climate change to social inequality and natural disasters, open science concepts and practices can help us respond more effectively. But how can open science help humanity understand and improve our responses to such critical global issues?

What is open science?

Open Science refers to the practice of making scientific research, data, and dissemination accessible to all levels of society, amateur or professional. It encompasses a range of practices, including open access to publications, open data, and open source software. According to the Center of Open Science (COS) “these principles aim to democratize access to research, promote equitable resource distribution, foster accountability and trustworthiness, accelerate self-correction, and improve rigor and reproducibility”.

The arguments

Enhanced Global Response

Open science can improve global response to emergencies by enabling the rapid sharing of information and resources. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, open sharing of genetic data enabled scientists all around the world to study virus mutations, create vaccinations, and devise public health policies.

Inclusive and equitable solutions

Global crises frequently disproportionately affect marginalised groups. Open science guarantees that research and solutions are inclusive and consider a variety of viewpoints. By incorporating a broader range of stakeholders, open science can result in more equitable and just approaches to global concerns.

Driving innovation

The open exchange of ideas and data promotes innovation by allowing researchers to investigate new pathways and methodologies. For example, free access to climate data can encourage creative mitigation strategies and adapting to climate change, fostering technological advancements and sustainable practices.

Accountability and integrity

Research integrity and accountability are enhanced by open science. A 2019 report explained that researchers are held to higher standards of accuracy and transparency when they make data and methodology publicly available. This transparency lowers the possibility of fraud and misbehaviour, guaranteeing the validity and dependability of scientific discoveries.

Education and capacity building

Particularly in underdeveloped nations, open science increases research capability and offers educational opportunities. Researchers and students working in resource-constrained environments can engage in international scientific projects by having access to open data and publications, which enhances the knowledge and expertise of the global workforce.

The facts

Open science encourages the unrestricted interchange of research findings and data, thereby making scientific knowledge available to everyone. This transparency serves to break down barriers and democratise information, allowing scientists, politicians, and the general public to freely access and use research data.

By cultivating a collaborative culture, open science promotes cross-disciplinary and cross-border collaboration. Scientists from many fields and countries can collaborate, share resources, and build on one other’s research. This collaborative approach promotes creativity and the creation of solutions to global challenges.

Rapid dissemination of knowledge

In times of crisis, the quick distribution of credible information is essential. Open science ensures that research findings be rapidly and extensively disseminated, enabling prompt interventions and informed decision-making.

Public engagement and trust

Open science techniques further involve the public in the scientific process, which boosts transparency and trust. When individuals understand the science underpinning initiatives and regulations, they are more likely to support and adhere to them. Public involvement also enables citizens to participate in scientific research through citizen science projects.

Efficiency and cost-effectiveness

By avoiding duplication of effort and enabling the reuse of data and resources, open science practices lead to more efficient and cost-effective research. Shared data and methodologies can be used to verify results, reproduce experiments, and build on previous work, thereby saving time and resources.