Understanding Open Infrastructure: Why It Matters and Why It Needs Funding. Jan 20, 2026, 8am (UK time) | Forum for Open Research in MENA

What exactly is open infrastructure, and why is it essential to the future of research and scholarship? This 3-hour symposium will unpack the concept of open infrastructure, highlight its critical role in enabling open science and equitable access to knowledge, and explore why sustained investment is vital. Through the lens of SCOSS—the Global Sustainability Coalition for Open Science Services—participants will learn about a proven, community-led model for identifying and funding key open infrastructures. SCOSS provides institutions with a practical, vetted mechanism to take meaningful action in support of the global open science ecosystem. This symposium will also present real-world examples of infrastructures worth supporting and offer insights into how strategic investment delivers long-term value.

Who is it for:

• Designed for decision-makers, procurement officers, and institutional administrators.
• Those responsible for investment, or policy-making decisions related to research infrastructure.

Experts:

Moderator: Dr. Alwaleed K. Alkhaja, Head of Open and Copyright, Qatar National Library; SCOSS Board Member

Susan Haigh, SCOSS Board Chair [to be confirmed]

Mohammed Ba-Essa, Manager of Preservation and Digital Services, KAUST University [to be confirmed]

Rosalie Lack, SCOSS Coordinator