Brussels, 8 March 2022/OACPS: Over 90 participants took part in the Webinar on Open Science, on 24 February 2022, organised by the Research and Innovation (R&I) Programme, which is being implemented by the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).

Among the main outcomes of the one-day webinar, was the realisation that while certain forms of Open Science had been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, significant challenges needed to be addressed to make Open Science a true game changer to bridge the science, technology and innovation gaps; tackle global challenges, such as pandemics, climate change and biodiversity loss; and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) in Members of the OACPS.

Open Science is the practice of science in such a way that others can collaborate and contribute. It aims to open up research through new digital tools and technologies and covers different realities and practices, depending on the regions, countries and actors.

According to Dr Norbert Richard Ibrahim, Assistant Secretary-General of the Political Affairs and Human Development Department of the OACPS, “The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us of the importance of pushing for international solidarity, specifically in the scientific arena, to be able to confront together the societal problems that we are all sharing. The potential of Open Science is tremendous, and I do think that this dialogue needs to carry on.”

The OACPS Research and Innovation Programme is implemented by the OACPS and is funded by the European Union (EU) to unlock innovation potential in the 79 Members of the OACPS.

Click HERE to read the report on the OACPS R&I Programme website.

Click HERE for the Summary Report, including the highlights and main recommendations of the Webinar.