Open Science/Week 14: Synthesis

Learning Outcomes

List expected positive outcomes of open science.
List potential barriers to open science.
Describe arguments against open science.
Integrate multiple perspectives on the future of open science.

Readings

“Defining Success in Open Science” by Ali-Khan, S. E., Jean, A., MacDonald, E., & Gold, E. R. in MNI Open Research, 2, 2018, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International.^[1] 10 pages.

“Open Science and Its Enemies: Challenges for a Sustainable Science–Society Social Contract” by Krishna, V. V. in Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 6(3), 61, 2020, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International.^[2] 15 pages.

“The Future(s) of Open Science” by Mirowski, P. in Social Studies of Science, 48(2), 2018, Open Access via Sage.^[3] 32 pages.

Discussion Question

Which of the following statements best matches your belief about the future of open science?

Open science is likely to lead to positive outcomes.
Open science would create positive outcomes, but it faces strong barriers to adoption.
Open science is likely to lead to negative outcomes.

Support your answer with examples. You may address the question broadly or within your specific context. Conclude your response with a question for further discussion.

Instructor note: The reading "Defining Success in Open Science" also provides an opportunity to discuss open peer review.

Self-check Questions

[1] Ali-Khan, Sarah E.; Jean, Antoine; MacDonald, Emily; Gold, E. Richard (2018-03-20). "Defining Success in Open Science". MNI Open Research 2: 2. doi:10.12688/mniopenres.12780.2. ISSN 2515-5059. https://mniopenresearch.org/articles/2-2/v2.

[2] Krishna, Venni V. (2020-09). "Open Science and Its Enemies: Challenges for a Sustainable Science–Society Social Contract". Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity 6 (3): 61. doi:10.3390/joitmc6030061. https://www.mdpi.com/2199-8531/6/3/61.

[3] Mirowski, Philip (2018-04-01). "The future(s) of open science". Social Studies of Science 48 (2): 171–203. doi:10.1177/0306312718772086. ISSN 0306-3127. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306312718772086.

[1]

[2]

[3]

	science as a human right
	positive economic impact
	increased equity in research
	better opportunities and recognition of early career researchers and youth

	a paradigm shift in scientific research culture
	policy guidance from international institutions such as UNESCO
	clear national policies in support of open science
	technological advances

	market-based factors such as corporate ownership of intellectual property
	dehumanizing effects of global technology mega-corporations
	restriction of the free flow of information due to increasingly authoritarian, nationalist governments
	all of the above.

	global scientific institutions
	technological advancements
	free markets
	intellectual property rights

	declining democracy
	global climate change
	platform capitalism.
	human capital development