Open science: Now is the time for Canadians to speak up | Canadian Science Publishing

The United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is actively crafting a formal UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science. The proposed statement would articulate internationally shared values and basic principles, point to concrete measures on open access and open data, and support a better distribution of science in the world.

It is clear that Canada would be well served by a national consensus on the relevant issues: one that is informed by multi-stakeholder consultations that involve scientists, research institutions, government, civil society, Indigenous groups, and youth. To this end, the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO) has prepared a background paper (Toward a UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science: Canadian Perspectives) to help stakeholders consider the issues.

The Canadian paper not only reflects input from open science experts, but also the CCUNESCO Youth Advisory Group (YAG). The Canadian Commission for UNESCO actively advocates for young people as key partners in its programs and through the YAG, it has developed a highly regarded model for youth engagement. YAG members, who represent every region in Canada, participate in CCUNESCO initiatives in their communities as well as national projects such as that embraced by the CCUNESCO open science paper.