Call for Papers - Forum for Open Research in MENA

"We believe that open science is vital for the sociocultural and economic development of the Arab world, and we therefore want to place accessibility at the heart of the region’s scientific and research ecosystems. The advancement of open science policies and practises requires the development of strong, collaborative communities and the sharing of skills and ideas, and that is why.

Reflecting the overarching message of last year’s Annual Forum concerning the need to collaborate as individuals, as institutions, as communities and countries – within our local environment and as a region – this year’s theme focuses on building our open science communities and developing our open science capacities.

Given the UAE has designated 2025 as the Year of Community, we are therefore particularly delighted to be able to announce that this year’s Annual Forum, will take place in the UAE, in partnership with the American University of Sharjah. We are honoured to be partnering with this institution, a regional leader for research and education in the Arab world. We are also excited to be able to host the Annual Forum in the Emirate of Sharjah, which is home to so many of the region’s leading publishers and collaborative research and innovation centers.

We therefore invite proposals (in English or Arabic)  for 20 minute presentations, and 1 hour roundtable sessions linked with any aspect of the pillars listed below. Particular preference will be given to regional case studies relating to the challenged and solutions within our thematic areas, offering new and innovative examples of transforming Open Science knowledge into policies and practises in the Arab region...."