New to Open Science

Before attending the workshop Focus on Open Science this last Monday, I had mostly an intuitive knowledge of what Open Science or open access might be about.
I learned a lot during the event. The presentations were thought in such a way that it gave insights on Open Science from different but complementary perspectives: the state of the debate on Open Science and open access in the European context, the need for change in the assessment of researchers, the new technology that drives the change in how science in done, the services offered by private companies that aid the transition, the view from a publisher’s perspective. All these issues and more where successful in encapsulating the changes taking placing right now in science and academia.
I also learned about citizen science. I unwittingly came across instances of public engagement in science before, but at the event I realized the extent (and limits) of citizen science, here in the context of Open Science. I was glad to learn of this, as I am of the opinion that public participation in science is generally beneficial and should be encouraged.
The event ended with the question of what is each of us is going to do enable Open Science to become the new norm of doing science. I will definitely adopt the values and best practices that lie at the core of Open Science. For me, it’s like voting. My individual contribution might not seem like much, but the collective of researchers acting in accordance with these principles will make a difference.