We are excited to announce that the Call for Papers for the 2023 Annual Forum is now open! The theme of the conference is ‘Democratising Knowledge: The evolution of Open Science research ecosystems and communities in the Arab World’.

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have become a source of inspiration across the world, and a driving force to combat inequality and injustice across every sector of society. A key element of this has been the growing prominence of sustainable, equitable practices surrounding science and education. In particular, UNESCO’s Open Science Recommendations have triggered a profound shift in the way we view and practice research, with a growing emphasis on the importance of ensuring responsible and sustainable production, dissemination and use of scientific knowledge for the benefit of everyone.

Global entities such as UNESCO are working with governments and other organisations to spearhead national and international projects focusing on addressing social injustices, climate change, and a host of other issues. However, in order for this vision to be achieved and Open Science to become the global cultural norm, academia needs to embrace the concept and adopt more ‘open’ policies and practices. And that is the focus of the 2023 Annual Forum for Open Research.

We invite librarians, researchers, policy makers, higher-education institutions, and solutions providers to submit presentation proposals relating to the development and implementation of open science policies and practises, and the building of open science communities, in higher education institutions and libraries. We are looking for 20 minute presentations in Arabic and English, and 10 minute lightning-round presentations. Suggestions for round table discussions and whole panels can also be proposed.

We do hope you will consider joining us! Please find full details of the Call for Papers here.