This week, we focus on the importance of structural equity and the inclusion of indigenous and diverse voices in the design and implementation of open access initiatives. We also share a resource on PLS and an introductory series of workshops on open science.
To read:
UNESCO initiative for open science via UNESCO | 10-minute read
UNESCO recently released a set of recommendations for promoting open science that it produced through an inclusive, consultative, multi-stakeholder process involving more than 100 countries and organizations. This week, delegates at the 41st session of UNESCO’s General Conference unanimously accepted the open science recommendations, cementing open science as a global endeavour. You can read more about the specific recommendations UNESCO made here.
Data poverty and open science via Jisc | 5-minute read
Open access depends on readers having an internet connection to be able to view information. Jisc are working with members of parliament, internet service providers and sector leaders to reduce data poverty and digital inequalities in the UK. They hope to provide innovative solutions to promote digital inclusivity and to improve access to affordable and reliable internet connections for students and teachers.
Recommendations for PLS via Scholarly Kitchen | 8-minute read
In this blog post, Adeline Rosenberg (Medical Writer at Oxford PharmaGenesis) introduces us to what a plain language summary (PLS) is and the motivations behind writing a PLS, and shares the Open Pharma recommendations for PLS.
To listen to:
Open access and structural equity via YouTube | 110-minute video
In this panel discussion, LIBSENSE gathered open access experts from Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania to share their experience in expanding open access, with a particular focus on equity. LIBSENSE is a collaboration between libraries and national research and education networks in Africa that focuses on open science at an institutional, regional and national level.
Indigenous voices and open access via Knowledge Equity Lab | 70-minute video
Open Access Australasia held this webinar as part of Open Access Week. It focuses on research principles and practice through a First Nations lens. The world’s first virtual indigenous circle on open science was also held recently. It brought together nearly 20 indigenous speakers from around the world to help inform UNESCO’s recommendations on open science.
To engage with:
An introductory series of workshops on open science via 4EU+ Alliance
Several universities within the EU have united under the 4EU+ Alliance to run a series of introductory workshops on open science. They have already run one session on what open science is; the presentation is available here. Over the next 6 months, there will be more than 10 sessions on a broad range of topics, including funder open access requirements, strategies for publishing in open access journals, fair and open research data management and citizen science. Information on all the workshop sessions and links to register for each can be found in the link above.
FORCE2021 Conference on the future of research communications via Force11
The Future of Research Communications and e-Scholarship (FORCE11) are holding their annual conference (FORCE2021) between 7 and 9 December 2021. The title of the conference is ‘Joining Forces to Advance the Future of Research Communications’. The conference plans to bring together many stakeholders for an open discussion about the changing ways scholarly and scientific information are communicated, shared and used. You can register here.
Have you read our recommendations for plain language summaries of peer-reviewed medical journal publications? Find out more here and join the discussion on social media using the hashtag #PlainLanguageSummaries!
