Research ministers discussed research infrastructures and open science

"On Wednesday, 8 February, EU ministers responsible for research met on the final day of the informal meeting of competitiveness ministers in Stockholm. During the meeting, the ministers held policy debates about two current issues: the use of data from research infrastructures and open access to scientific publications. Research infrastructures is an important component of the innovation system, and Europe has invested large sums in such infrastructures in recent years. Research infrastructures are also a top priority for the current trio of French, Czech and Swedish Presidencies. During the morning session, the ministers discussed how to strengthen and develop the use of research data from research infrastructures to meet various societal challenges and strengthen competitiveness. Implementing FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) principles in all research outputs and across disciplines is a significant undertaking for Europe, and requires changes in research culture and infrastructure. These changes must also align with international partners in like-minded regions and countries, and the ministers exchanged views on whether the EU should take action to accelerate this work...."