NASAC Statement on Open Science

The Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) has issued a bold endorsement of open science, calling it a “cornerstone for collaborative scientific progress” across the continent. In a statement released today, NASAC emphasized the transformative potential of open science in addressing Africa’s unique challenges through transparency, accessibility, and global cooperation.

The declaration underscores open science as a catalyst for equitable knowledge sharing, enabling researchers, policymakers, and institutions to accelerate solutions to pressing issues such as climate change, public health crises, and sustainable development. By advocating for open access to research, data, and methodologies, NASAC aims to dismantle barriers that hinder scientific collaboration and innovation.

“Open science embodies the ideals of transparency and inclusivity,” the statement reads. “It empowers African scientists to contribute to and benefit from a global knowledge commons, ensuring contextually relevant and credible research outcomes.” The document highlights the importance of the guiding principle, “As Open As Possible, As Closed As Necessary,” which balances openness with ethical, legal, and socio-economic considerations, including intellectual property rights.

NASAC also commended UNESCO’s Open Science Recommendation, aligning its call to action with the global framework. The organization urged African governments, academic institutions, and researchers to adopt policies that prioritize open science practices, stressing the need for stakeholder engagement, safeguards against predatory publishing, and investments in capacity-building initiatives.

Key priorities include enhancing research reproducibility, fostering cross-border collaboration, and promoting a cultural shift toward open science. “By embracing these practices, we unlock the full potential of Africa’s scientific community,” the statement asserts, linking open science to the continent’s sustainable development goals.

The announcement comes as part of NASAC’s broader mission to position Africa at the forefront of scientific innovation. With its headquarters in Nairobi, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to integrity, accountability, and trust in research, urging collective action to build a more inclusive scientific future.