Open Science
About open science
Open Science has the potential of making the scientific process more transparent, inclusive and democratic. It is increasingly recognized as a critical accelerator for the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and a true game changer in bridging the science, technology and innovation gaps and fulfilling the human right to science.
Setting global standards for open science for all
In the fragmented scientific and policy environment, a global understanding of the meaning, opportunities and challenges of open science is needed for its fair and equitable operationalization at the individual, institutional, national, regional and international levels.
The UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science provides an international framework for open science policy and practice that recognizes disciplinary and regional differences in open science perspectives. It takes into account academic freedom, gender-transformative approaches and the specific challenges of scientists and other open science actors in different countries and in particular in developing countries, and contributes to reducing the digital, technological and knowledge divides existing between and within countries.
Following an inclusive, transparent and multistakeholder consultative process, the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science was adopted by the 41st session of UNESCO General Conference in November 2021.
This Recommendation outlines:
- A common definition for open science
- Core values and guiding principles for open science
- Recommendations for priority areas of actions
News
UNESCO Global Open Science Partnership
UNESCO Global Open Science Partnership
The broad Open Science Partnership brings together all the relevant and interested Open Science stakeholders across the world. The Partnership is open ended and the scientific community, public and private science, technology and innovation institutions, relevant private sector and industry, United Nations agencies and all other relevant open science actors.
Join the movement, act and advocate for open science.
Open science champions share their perspectives
As a new international instrument sets global standards to ensure that Open Science leaves no one behind, with the adoption of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science, six experts share their perspectives.
Contact
For more information, please contact openscience@unesco.org
UNESCO's work on open science is led by its Section on Science Policy and Partnerships (SC/SPP)