KACST chief calls for activation of ‘open science’ initiative

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) President Dr. Anas Bin Faris Al-Faris urged the development and adoption of a “recommendation” for activating the “open science” initiative.

Dr. Anas discussed this during a virtual meeting of the KACST, which was working in coordination with the National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently.

The meeting had the participation of ministers and officials from member countries around the world. At the meeting the importance of international cooperation in the scientific field was discussed, including work on increased investment in its derivatives with the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Dr. Anas’ call for the “open science” initiative aims to enable everyone to access the available scientific information and data without financial fees, while submitting new proposals and working to bring those interested in science and knowledge fields.

The recommendation also includes a commitment to improve science production and dissemination methods in all countries of the world, and the process of drafting the recommendation is likely to come in a balanced and comprehensive manner with the cooperation of all concerned parties by the year 2021.

It is noteworthy that the global scientific community is working jointly to address the emergency caused by the spread of the virus by participating in research results and making them available and providing all parties with guidance information about the virus.