FORM

Who we are

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.

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. We want to support all our research communities and stakeholder groups in the journey towards a more ‘open’ world, by facilitating the exchange of actionable insights and the development of practical policies.

Become a Member of FORM

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. Membership is free, so why not join us!

Upcoming Events

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How to Be Open: Open Infrastructure for Research and Scholarship

19 November, 2024

Online

This  workshop is designed for university leaders and administrators looking to support advancement of open science in their institution.

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Launching an Open Access Journal: Why & How to Do It

17 December, 2024

Online

This hands-on workshop will highlight benefits of launching an open access journal, and offer tips on how to do this.

Latest News

The 3rd Annual Forum: A Huge Success!

This year’s 3rd Annual Forum for Open Research in MENA was a huge success, thanks to our exceptional host partner (the Qatar National Library) and our brilliant speakers. As we work to publish the recordings from this year’s sessions, we’re excited to share some highlights from this year’s conference.  With 21 sessions, 67 speakers, and […]
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Recording from our Science Summit Session in New York

The special session we convened at the 10th Science Summit, taking place alongside the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, offered a fantastic opportunity to facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues concerning the advancement of open science policies and practises at national and regional levels across the Arab States. It also served to underscore one of our […]
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Online access for the 3rd Annual Forum is now free

We have decided to make online access to the 3rd Annual Forum (2024) free for all delegates.  Taking place from 21-24th October in Doha, in partnership with the Qatar National Library, the conference theme this year is Transforming Knowledge Into Action. By building on the insights we’ve gathered from our community over the last three […]
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Announcing Our Leadership Panel

Although we are a regional initiative seeking to advance open science policy and practise across the Arab States, and promote regional collaboration and community engagement – we also think it is important to recognise individual local needs, challenges and strategies. That is why, as we hold our Annual Forum in a different Arab State each […]
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Announcing our Keynotes for the 3rd Annual Forum

As the 3rd Annual Forum draws closer, we have now finalised our Keynote speakers and we are excited to share the news with you. Our Regional Perspectives Keynote is Dr. Hilal A. Lashuel, Research, Development & Innovation Advisor to the Chairperson & Executive Director of Research Development and Innovation at Chairperson’s Office, Qatar Foundation and […]
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FORM Convenes a Session at the Science Summit UNGA79

We have been invited to attend and convene a session at the Science Summit UNGA79, which takes place alongside the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) from the 10-27 of September 2024, in New York!
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Announcing our Keynotes for the 3rd Annual Forum

As the 3rd Annual Forum draws closer, we have now finalised our Keynote speakers and we are excited to share the news with you. Our Regional Perspectives Keynote is Dr. Hilal A. Lashuel, Research, Development & Innovation Advisor to the Chairperson & Executive Director of

Read more »

Introducing AREN: One of FORM’s Newest Members

Lamis Yahia Mohamed Elkheir and Emmanuel Boakye, two passionate advocates for Open Science, share their inspiring journeys and the impactful work they are doing with the African Reproducibility Network (AREN), an initiative dedicated to advancing Open Science across Africa. AREN’s Journey Towards Open Science Lamis’s

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In Conversation With: The Al Qasimi Foundation

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

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