Eurodoc input on UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science

Abstract

Press release on Eurodoc input on UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science written by Andrea Claudi In October 2019, during its 40th General Conference, UNESCO set out its intention to draft a Recommendation on Open Science (OS) to be adopted by Member States in 2021. To build a global consensus on OS, UNESCO decided to adopt an "inclusive, transparent and consultative process", including an online survey, which they launched in February 2020. A first draft of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science was published on 31 December 2020, and a second draft is expected to be published by the end of March 2021. Eurodoc participated in the whole process to express the European early-career researchers' point of view on Open Science. Eurodoc considers Open Science to be a main pillar in career development and evaluation of ECRs and 19 January 2021, Eurodoc sent a comment on the first draft of the Recommendation on Open Science to UNESCO, identifying key aspects and obstacles on the path towards OS. Among the key aspects, Eurodoc highlighted the importance of training and support on OS practices and skills, and of the implementation of a proper reward system, including ECRs' career assessment. Among the obstacles, Eurodoc directed UNESCO's attention to the imbalances between different countries, institutions and disciplines that could hinder the spread of OS. Inês Almeida, Open Science and Employment and Careers WG co-coordinator comment: «Open Science (OS) is becoming the new standard in the research & innovation arena, contributing to better research practices, fairer research assessment, better dissemination of knowledge and access to it, and the increased participation of society. However, there is currently no clear consensus on a OS definition, nor a strategic plan worldwide for this transition. For a successful implementation of OS, all relevant stakeholders should be involved, including researchers. However, the governments and institutions advocating for OS are not necessarily aware of the specific needs of ...