The Importance of Open Science for UNESCO and SDGs

Nature has recently published an editorial on The recent UNESCO report on Open Science. It highlights the critical need for open science, emphasizing the importance of making science more collaborative, transparent, and accessible. The editorial reflects that despite some positive initiatives, significant progress is still needed to fully realize the potential of open science. This approach aligns with UNESCO’s mission and supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting equity and inclusion in scientific research.

Countries like Brazil and South Africa are leading efforts to implement national open science policies, while the European Commission has significantly increased funding for societal engagement projects. However, challenges remain, such as the dominance of English in open-access publications and the need for greater inclusion of diverse communities in the scientific process. The editorial highlights international calls for a collective effort to build a critical mass of good practices in open science to achieve these ambitious goals.

For more details, you can access the full editorial here: Nature, “Open science — embrace it before it’s too late,” 06 February 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-00322-2.