Innovating Together: Strengthening Open Science Communities for a Sustainable Future

Open science has dramatically reshaped the landscape of research, making it more collaborative and accessible. At its core, open science transforms the way research data is conducted, shared, and reused, promoting transparency and efficiency. However, the organizations leading this transformative journey often find themselves struggling with limited resources and insufficient support.

The recent initiative, titled 'From Surviving to Thriving,' aims to tackle these challenges head-on. The event convenes key stakeholders from various open science communities, encouraging dialogue and collaboration to strengthen these organizations' capacity to thrive rather than merely survive.

Open science is not just about access to data—it's about fostering a community where research is a public asset. Yet, these communities often operate in isolation, unable to leverage each other’s strengths. The convening seeks to bridge these gaps, creating a network where open science organizations can exchange ideas, resources, and strategies for sustainable growth.

Funding remains a critical issue. Many open science initiatives rely on short-term grants and sporadic funding, which undermines their long-term sustainability. This gathering also addresses the need for more robust and consistent funding models that can support sustained innovation and impact in the open science field.

Attendees include leaders in scientific research, policy makers, and funding bodies. By fostering connections among these diverse entities, the convening hopes to build a more coherent and cohesive open science infrastructure that is equipped to meet the challenges of a global, data-driven future.

As Europe positions itself at the forefront of the data revolution, supporting open science is crucial. The continent’s academic and research institutions stand to benefit significantly from a more interconnected and well-funded open science network, which could improve research outcomes and drive innovation across various fields.

The convening marks a significant step forward in ensuring that open science communities not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive and resource-constrained environment. It exemplifies a commitment to nurturing collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in research, ensuring that open science can continue to deliver on its promise of making research accessible and beneficial to all.