Open Science: the revolution in the socialization of science
A few years ago, when I began to study and research Open Science, most authors relied on the concept that it was an umbrella that recognized the value of open science as accessible, collaborative, and reproducible. This idea shown in the following image continues to have prominence when it comes to explaining Open Science. I share this perspective of Open Science and at this point after everything that has been addressed in the Ticket course to Open Science I consider that Open Science is a true revolution in the socialization of science.
From experience I have also been able to verify the benefits of Open Science. I come from Cuba where access to information is restricted by factors inherent to the United States blockade of the island and the Cuban government’s own decisions and this bias interferes with the quality and transparency of science, so in one of the issues of the course, when we were asked if Open Science also involved differences between geographical regions, I took a position in saying that there are indeed differences. Hence, it is one of my motivations to delve into this topic. It is not about competing in “impact factors”, it is about advancing a little more every day in raising awareness and in the daily practices of the academy; democratizing knowledge will depend on the sustainability of Open Science. Although, I am concerned that Data Management Plans, for example, are not common practice and that literacy on these topics is often reduced to theoretical approaches or at least prioritized.
What unites us
We agree that access to information is a universal human right, and the Open Science model constitutes an opportunity to fulfill and guarantee that right in the long term. Currently, there is a greater institutional will to promote processes covered by Open Science. Government structures have been legislated that reinforce work for the common good of access to information and open knowledge. We are aware that everyone must do their part by developing data management plans, participating in groups promoting Open Science, using open tools and software, sharing the results and data of our research, collaborating on projects. research. In this sense, this course brings us closer to tools that I was unaware of and from now on I intend to continue using. The use of data and information repositories, Virtual Learning Environments, the willingness to publish in Open Access journals and advisory services are examples of good practice. On this last point, I am grateful for the meeting that a group had with Raúl Aguilera Ortega, from the UC3M library service, and he told us about policies when publishing in open access journals, as well as databases and repositories, which can be opportunities. in our development as researchers.
Reclaim the common
The progress of science rests on the generation of scientific knowledge as a social-collective process. Strategies from now on must focus on teaching offers, audiences, tools and methods with data intensive science and open science. It is never enough to raise your voice and investigate Open Science; courses like this must be diversified as spaces for debate and with the participation of various specialists who share their knowledge and experiences.