United Nations (UN)/UNESCO/Recommendation on Open Science

Definition

The UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science was released in 2021. Its main purpose is to shape international academic policy through common definitions, providing Open Science principles and standards, and outlining core values that inform them. It proposes actions for member states to support Open Science at all levels.

Impact

UNESCO's Recommendation on Open Science have become an influential document that serves as a multi-level framework to inform both Open Science practice and policy. Its evolving impact ranges from individual scholars who seek to increase openness in their teaching, learning and research to informing science regulation in national and international contexts.

Approach

As a regulatory recommendation it provides an impulse to responsible parties to develop a common understanding of what Open Science encompasses, and how to adopt diverse strategies towards its implementation. Suggested avenues include:

• developing Open Science policies
• building open infrastructures
• transforming research cultures towards more open practices
• providing opportunities for learning, training & upskilling around Openness in science education
• advocating for increased collaboration and cooperation to tackle knowledge gaps through joint capacity

Christian Schmidt (talk) Policy