The easier knowledge can be spread, the faster science can move forward. The OpenAIRE initiative has been spearheading this vision with the goal of setting European science free.
Open science is an approach that makes the outputs of scientific research freely available using digital and collaborative technology.
To support this mission, a major e-infrastructure project has been underway since 2008 to create OpenAIRE, an open science platform for Europe. Now, the team behind OpenAIRE have taken things a step further through the OpenAΙRΕ-Advance project. As well as democratising the scientific process in publicly funded areas, they support the EU objective of making open access to research the default option for the whole of Europe.
They have created an Open Research Graph, which collects research data along with its related information and links in a huge database for people to consult.
The resource can be used by everyone from funders and research organisations to citizen scientists exploring topics they care about.
Another innovation is National Open Access Desks (NOADs), which have been set up in every participating country. These NOADs can develop long-term working relationships with institutions carrying out research across the nation.
They can also act as hubs for researchers and policymakers to come together and collaborate. NOADs have been making an impact all over Europe. For example, in Finland, the NOAD is deeply involved in the nation’s open science working groups, while in Türkiye, the group has put an open science roadmap on the national agenda.
Besides these activities, the researchers – from 50 partners from European research institutions – have also been promoting open science through national workshops, training events and learning materials.
Moreover, they have extended their reach globally, connecting with open science networks in South America, Canada and Africa. They are working in partnership with the United Nations to add open access content to the UN’s 2030 Connect platform, established as a gateway to science, technology and innovation resources.