About us
The Forum for Open Research in MENA (FORM) is a non-profit membership organisation supporting the advancement of Open Science policies and practices in research communities and institutions across the Arab region.
FORM is an independent project of the Knowledge E Foundation, (a community interest company). We believe that increasing the accessibility and visibility of research is key to ensuring the sustainability of scholarly ecosystems.
The Arab states have the resources and capability to play a pivotal role in the global transition towards more accessible, sustainable and inclusive research and education models. However, while many institutions and organisations are at the forefront of this change, there is a clear need for something more focused on the specific needs of research communities and research institutions just starting out on their journey towards openness.
Our Vision
Unlocking research for and in the Arab Region and working towards a more ‘open’ world.
Our Mission
To support the advancement of Open Science practices in libraries and universities across the Arab region by facilitating the exchange of actionable insights and the development of practical policies.
Our focus is on empowering libraries, higher education institutions, research councils and policy makers to collaborate on activities, projects and resources that promote engagement with, and the generation of, open research – enabling them to better serve the needs of local research communities. We want to support all our stakeholder groups in the journey towards a more ‘open’ world by facilitating the exchange of actionable insights and the development of practical policies, and by encouraging the evolution of a strong cross-regional collaborative community.
Any research institution or research community based within the Arab region that wishes to support our mission and become a signatory of our principles can become a member.
Our Members
Our membership is comprised of all stakeholder groups involved with research at the institutional level in the Arab world, including:
- Funding groups and government ministries
- Libraries and universities
- Non-profit solutions providers
- Research communities
Our Activities
We have three core pillars of activity
Creating accessible and localised resources for our members and the wider research community, designed to facilitate the implementation of Open Science policies and practices.
Arranging Community Development Activities (CDAs) throughout the year, including workshops and webinars providing practical insights and guidance on key aspects of Open Science for higher education stakeholders, and working groups to address key projects and strategic problems.
Organising the Annual Forum (held in a different Arab country each year), which provides a forum for librarians, researchers, government policy makers, universities and international experts to discuss and debate key themes and issues relating to the advancement of Open Research across the Arab world.
