Open Science

Defining Accessibility

Accessibility in open science is focused on providing access to scientific research and resources to all groups and individuals regardless of socioeconomic background and disabilities. 

UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science (2021):

"Equality of opportunities: all scientists and other open science actors and stakeholders, regardless of location, nationality, race, age, gender, income, socio-economic circumstances, career stage, discipline, language, religion, disability, ethnicity or migratory status, or any other grounds, have an equal opportunity to access, and contribute to and benefit from open science."

"Flexibility: due to the diversity of science systems, actors and capacities across the world, as well as the evolving nature of supporting information and communication technologies, there is no one-size-fits-all way of practicing open science. Different pathways of transition to and practice of open science need to be encouraged while upholding the above-mentioned core values and maximizing adherence to the other principles hereby presented."

Open Science at NASA:

"Data, tools, software, documentation, and publications should be available to all (FAIR)."

Examples of Accessibility:

1. Open access journals where there is no required subscription fee nor flat flee to access an article.
2. Student-run textbooks that are free and accessible to students, who come from underprivileged or marginalized communities.
3. Using differentiation to more effectively communicate information and data to people of different backgrounds, especially in terms of disability and other learning needs.