Open Science: Challenges, Possible Solutions and the Way Forward

Abstract

Everyone agrees that scientific communication should be free for all. Unfortunately, accessing publications from many reputed journals comes at a high cost-a cost that many researchers and institutions cannot afford. Although, openaccess publication model is considered by many as a possible route to ensure that science is free for all; however, it is fraught with its own challenges. This review attempts at exploring the possibilities of keeping science accessible. Firstly, we re-visit the meaning of "open science" as a comprehensive concept which includes open source, data, access, resources, peer review etc. and not merely open access publication model. Next, we have discussed the global initiatives towards open access-the Budapest Open Access Initiative, Bethesda Statement on Open Access Publishing, Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities, cOAlition S and its Plan S initiative, UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science and the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). Following this we have included the various open access initiatives from India. In the next part, we have focused on problems with dissemination of scientific outcomes and the challenges associated with existing publication models. Finally, we explore the possible solutions to the existing challenges, which include promotion of pre-print servers and other ideas that we have detailed in the manuscript.

Presence of Ecuador in the Web of Science from open access in post-pandemic period 2019-2021: A multivariate analysis

“…In terms of the distribution of publications by type of access, there is evidence of a growing preference for open access journals in Ecuador, which is in line with the post-pandemic global trends observed by [24]. However, Ecuador still faces challenges in terms of comprehensive adoption of these practices, compared to more advanced countries in this aspect, as described in the research by [25].…”

Complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine researchers’ practices and perceived barriers related to open science: An international, cross-sectional survey

“…This point was reiterated in the analysis of open text responses which identified participant preferences for financially motivated incentives such as additional funding or financial support, and waivers or discounts to APCs. One of the largest financial burdens faced by researchers include APCs and open access charges that are often very high and unaffordable, especially for researchers from developing countries [ 39 ]. For example, BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies charges £1990.00/$2690.00/€2290.00 for each article accepted for publication [ 40 ].…”

Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine Researchers’ Practices and Perceived Barriers Related to Open Science: An International, Cross-Sectional Survey

“…This point was reiterated in the analysis of open text responses which identified participant preferences for financially-motivated incentives such as additional funding or financial support, and waivers or discounts to APCs. One of the largest financial burdens faced by researchers include APCs and open access charges that are often very high and unaffordable, especially for researchers from developing countries 36 . For example, BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies charges £1990.00/$2690.00/€2290.00 for each article accepted for publication 37 .…”

“…that are often very high and unaffordable, especially for researchers from developing countries 36 .…”