From Closed Doors to Open Access: My Evolution in Scientific Research

From Closed Doors to Open Access: My Evolution in Scientific Research

The first time I heard the term “Open Science” was at the beginning of my career as a researcher in a small Digital Humanities group in Information Science. Although the term seemed easy to pronounce, I needed to understand its complexity and importance within a much broader ecosystem then. Open Science challenges traditional research standards and promotes a working philosophy that has become a fundamental pillar of modern research.

Over time, I realized that the “Open” universe was much more serious and complex, going beyond merely sharing or promoting accessibility, collaboration, and transparency. It wasn’t just about speaking at conferences and events about the need to open research results for reuse, nor about publishing data in PDF format in a repository. I understood that Open Science is a daily practice, a necessary habit that must be integrated into my development both as a researcher and as a person passionate about data and science.

The “Ticket to Open Science” course has been a fundamental part of my growth. This course is exhaustive in all aspects and approaches to Open Science. While I could mention several topics, it is difficult to say that one is more important than another. However, Open Access publications and FAIR data are the ones I will apply the most at this stage of my PhD studies.

The research industry and scientific journals are in a moment of transformation. Criticism of the business model and editorial practices of many paywalled journals has generated a growing clamor for greater transparency, fairness, and accessibility in research publications. In many universities and academic libraries, accessing paywalled journals is challenging for readers and researchers wishing to publish in them. However, open-access publishing presents an optimal alternative, as it breaks down the traditional barriers that have limited access to scientific information, regardless of location or resources.

Data Management Plans (DMPs) have become a standard practice in many research projects. DMPs help plan how to collect, organize, protect, and share data throughout a project’s lifecycle. This planning meets institutional and funding requirements and ensures that data are correctly preserved and available for future research. This process is precious because a researcher’s life is hectic, and proper planning regarding data, its use, and its purpose is often neglected. Effective data management is essential for transparency and reproducibility, fundamental pillars of Open Science.

On more than one occasion, I have experienced the consequences of other research not being open access, preventing me from using their datasets or finding quality data in manageable formats. The research process is beautiful, but sometimes it encounters obstacles and stagnates due to issues with data, software, or formats. However, the more we unite as an Open community, the more comfortable the process will be in the future. The value of Open Science, as I’ve personally experienced, lies in its ability to democratize knowledge and overcome these obstacles.

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