The launch of the Open Science Community in Iraq marks a significant step forward in the realm of Open Science, driven by a desire to bridge the gap between global advancements and local practices. The initiative, inspired by international conferences and personal experiences, aims to address the unique challenges faced by the Iraqi research landscape.
The Genesis of the Open Science Community in Iraq
The inspiration for establishing the Open Science Community in Iraq emerged during the Annual Forum conference in Abu Dhabi in 2023. As an ambassador for Crossref, the founder was struck by the rapid expansion and innovative ideas flourishing within the Open Science community. “It was the time when I wondered why we don’t have such communities in Iraq! Why Iraq doesn’t share its part in the field of Open Science!” they reflected. This realisation was further reinforced by subsequent experiences, including a conference in Saudi Arabia and meeting influential supporters like Dr Batool Al Marzouqi.
The founder and their team have engaged in courses such as those offered by Open Life Sciences with NASA, aiming to disseminate these Open Science principles across Iraqi universities. “Nowadays, most of the ways are leading nowhere in Iraq; labs, communities, methodologies, and I am keen on creating new horizons,” they stated, highlighting their commitment to transforming the Iraqi academic landscape.
Challenges and Opportunities in Iraq
The founder identifies several systemic challenges in Iraq that contribute to its closed academic environment. “Iraq is closed for many reasons. First, education in Iraq is just about university. We don’t have research or scientific institutions. In addition, in universities, materials are outdated,” they explained. The reliance on outdated methods and a lack of modern research infrastructure hinder the development of an open and collaborative research culture. The goal is to shift from a closed, confidential approach to one that fosters transparency and collaboration. “We are working on providing free courses to educate people as much as possible about the importance of openness,” they added.
The Role of FORM in Advancing Open Science
Joining FORM has been a strategic move for the Open Science Community in Iraq. “FORM is a unique initiative. It is the only Open Science initiative in the Arab world, or at least the unprecedented one,” the founder noted. They praised FORM for its clear structure, real goals, and leadership in the Arab region. “I believe that you are Number One in the Arab region in the field of Open Science, and I think that you were the first initiative to pave the road for all other communities to follow your leads.”
A Journey from Academia to Advocacy
The founder’s journey into Open Science began with the completion of their PhD in 2016, coinciding with Iraq’s efforts to improve its global academic rankings. Faced with the challenges of publishing in reputable journals, they began helping others navigate these hurdles and linking universities with broader communities. “I started sharing some ideas about Open Science policies, like DOI. Then I had to get in touch with Crossref, that was when I was appointed to be Crossref Ambassador,” they explained.
Their advocacy extends to combating predatory journals, a global issue that they are passionate about addressing. The founder also expressed hope for future collaborations, stating, “I hope we get the chance to be part of collaborative workshops done by OSCI and FORM.”
Interested in joining the movement?
If you’d like to learn more about FORM’s membership and partnership programmes, or how your organisation can get involved in promoting Open Science across the Arab region, please get in touch at contact@forumforopen.org
