US Funding Cuts Imperil Open Infrastructure Globally | Katina Magazine

"The impacts of funding cuts to research in the US extend far beyond their immediate targets. We see a chain reaction that could indelibly alter the education and research landscape, including the future of open and sustainable research....

So what is there to do? We take inspiration from community members who share their concerns with us and those who are taking bold steps to visibly support open infrastructures. At IOI, we want to hear from you. Here are our three specific calls to action:

1. Let’s kickstart a conversation around science philanthropy and the vital need for increased infrastructure investment during these unpredictable times. The instinct may be to adopt a cautious, academic approach, but now is not the time for reticence. Are you looking to make additional investments that can impact the open infrastructure community? Whether you are a funder or a potential adopter of open infrastructure, we must focus on increasing spending where it matters most.
2. We encourage everyone to reflect on their reliance on and investment in open infrastructure. How do we know where it matters most? That is where you come in: what keystone infrastructures do you depend on in your work? What five open infrastructures could you not work without? What are the elements of open science that you feel require immediate protection and support? How are you making your organization’s efforts toward supporting open infrastructures public and visible?
3. We need to identify shared areas of immediate, urgent concern for open infrastructure. For those bracing for funding cuts, we want to hear from you. What aspects of your work are you most concerned about? What do you need support with? When funders come through with support, they will want to know how to make a difference, so let’s pinpoint areas for collective action...."