Despite rising costs and structural inequalities in the Global South, researchers from every region are working together every day to try and produce ground-breaking innovations that positively impact our societies. The Al Qasimi Foundation (AQF), one of FORM’s earliest members, is at the forefront of these initiatives, acting as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation in the social and educational space.
We sat down with Jessica Maluch, Director of Strategy Research and Impact at AQF and longstanding advocate of Open Science, to find out more about the Foundation’s relationship to FORM, activities and philosophies around Openness, and its role in dismantling legacies of hierarchies in research.
The Al Qasimi Foundation and FORM
AQF was FORM’s first member, eager to engage with the initiative and our network of growing passionate professionals. Jessica presented at the 2nd Annual Forum in 2023, exploring the major barriers of language in the Higher Education landscape through her paper titled “Navigating Linguistic and Academic Tensions: Rethinking Language and Knowledge Production in Gulf Higher Education”.
When asked why AQF had decided to become a member of FORM, Jessica shared that while AQF is “very much committed to promoting Open Access or Open Science, I also think it’s very important for us to get out of our local communities as much as we serve them, and to hear what other people are doing in other places because it’s only through that that you’re going to be able to develop a real multi-perspective understanding and develop best practice in whatever field that is”. She went on to explain that “this engagement is vital for fostering best practices and expanding AQF’s network for knowledge exchange”, and that joining FORM was a core part of these efforts.
AQF’s Commitment to Open Science
AQF’s commitment to Open Science is evident in their initiatives, such as their Open Access journal hosted on the Knowledge E Platform. “We’re dedicated to Open Access as one of our founding principles,” Jessica asserts. The Foundation aims to build and share a knowledge base that benefits both the public and policymakers. This commitment includes fostering collaboration between local and international researchers, promoting knowledge exchange, and ensuring that local research gains global exposure.
“Our goal is to facilitate a flow of knowledge and exchange,” Jessica notes. This approach not only benefits local researchers but also enriches the global research community by providing insights into regional developments.
Decolonising Scholarly Communications and Prioritising Localised Research
During FORM’s 1st Community Development Activity of the year, titled “Decolonising Open Science Symposium: Dismantling Global Hierarchies of Knowledge”, Jessica shed light on the Foundation’s perspective on decolonisation, emphasizing that the term, while complex, is less about terminology and more about practical support. “For me, we are sitting here in the Global South, developing our own community and looking at ways to support others who are also building theirs,” she explains. This support is not merely about offering aid but about fostering environments where researchers from all backgrounds can thrive.
Jessica, a history student at heart, appreciates the intricacies of historical and contemporary global hierarchies. She underscores the importance of respecting diverse voices and opinions in today’s polarized world. “One of the most crucial aspects is ensuring researchers from all backgrounds are supported to produce robust academic work,” she says. This support extends to localised research, which Jessica believes is essential for a truly inclusive academic landscape.
Looking ahead, AQF is exploring partnerships with local institutions to offer workshops on publishing and research processes. This initiative aligns with their broader goal of building a sustainable higher education ecosystem in the Gulf. “We need to focus on nurturing local talent and reducing our reliance on imported knowledge,” Jessica concludes. This approach ties back to their commitment to developing a truly inclusive research ecosystem, reversing brain drain, and empowering local researchers to create a more resilient academic environment in the Gulf and wider Global South.
Through these efforts, the Al Qasimi Foundation continues to champion a more inclusive and collaborative research landscape, demonstrating a profound commitment to both local and global academic communities.
We are honoured to have AQF as a member of FORM, and look forward to future collaborations with the Foundation, Jessica, and the wider team!
Interested in becoming a member? Reach out at contact@forumforopen.org
