This year’s Annual Forum – our 5th consecutive annual event – is a particularly special event for us. Reflecting both the increasing strength and maturity of the Forum for Open Research in MENA, and the specialised topic which is the theme of this year’s event, we have decided to build a conference programme which is predominantly comprised of special invited plenary speakers. Joining us online

As part of our Annual Forum this year, we’re taking the opportunity to hear directly from the organisations supporting the event and learn more about their perspectives on Open Science and open research. Through this interview series, we’ll explore what openness means to different stakeholders, the opportunities and challenges they see across the Arab region, how they are supporting researchers and authors, and what they

Creating Space for Women in Computing The ACM-W Fez Chapter, the first of its kind in Morocco, focuses on supporting and advancing women in computing and technology. Its work centres on creating opportunities for students and women in computer science through learning, mentorship, collaboration, and professional development. Through workshops, webinars, and community-led initiatives, the chapter promotes inclusion, innovation, and knowledge sharing across the wider technology

The Forum for Open Research in MENA (FORM) is pleased to welcome the Open Science Monitoring Initiative (OSMI) as a new Strategic Partner, bringing together two international communities committed to advancing responsible, transparent, and inclusive approaches to Open Science. OSMI is a global, community-driven initiative that brings together researchers, librarians, research support staff, policymakers, funders, infrastructure providers, publishers, and other stakeholders to develop a shared

Introducing AlMayzab Digital Library and Its Mission AlMayzab Digital Library is described as an academic and community-focused digital library dedicated to supporting knowledge access, research development, and digital capacity building. The organisation’s work centres on empowering students, researchers, and academic institutions through open access to information, digital literacy training, and the integration of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, into research and education practices. It also

The Forum for Open Research in MENA (FORM) is pleased to welcome Qatar National Library (QNL) as a new institutional member, marking an important addition to the growing regional community advancing Open Research and knowledge accessibility across the Arab region. The membership also reflects a longstanding relationship between FORM and Qatar National Library, which has continuously supported a range of regional Open Research and Open

We are hugely delighted to announce the 5th Annual Forum (2026) will take place online on 19th and 20th October 2026. This year’s theme is Resilience in Research: The Role of Open Science in the Arab World. The Forum for Open Research in MENA (FORM) is organising a special regional symposium addressing the topic of open science in challenging circumstances, including conflict, famine, disease, and

The Forum for Open Research in MENA (FORM) is pleased to welcome the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) as a new member institution, marking an important step toward strengthening regional collaboration and expanding institutional engagement in Open Research across the Arab world. Established in 2022, the University of Doha for Science and Technology is Qatar’s first national university specialising in academic, technical,

The Forum for Open Research in MENA (FORM) is pleased to welcome the Institute for Policy Research and Governance (IPRG) as a Strategic Partner. Based in India, IPRG is an independent youth-led public policy and research organisation committed to advancing inclusive governance, evidence-based policymaking, and interdisciplinary academic research. The organisation works across several interconnected areas, including public policy, governance, international relations, sustainable development, law, and

We are pleased to welcome the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information as a new member of the Forum for Open Research in MENA (FORM). This collaboration brings into our network a leading regional organisation with a longstanding commitment to strengthening the role of libraries and information professionals across the Arab world. Founded in Tunisia in 1986, AFLI serves as a central platform for library