Purpose
The purpose of the Australian Open Science Network is to:
- provide a forum for exchange of information on open science
- advocate for open science in Australia
- support coordination of Australia’s response to international initiatives such as:
- the UNESCO Open Science Recommendation and related activities at UNESCO
- the OECD Recommendation on Access to Research Data from Public Funding and associated activities at the OECD
- the APEC Statement on Open Science
- and the G20 Science ministers’ statement of support for open science.
Membership
Network members are representatives of sector-level bodies with a stake in open science, major funders, and government departments or agencies. Current members include the following organisations:
- Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS)
- Australian Citizen Science Association
- Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA)
- Australian Government – Department of Education
- Australian Government – Department of Industry, Science and Resources (Industry)
- Australian Government – Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS)
- Australian Research Council (ARC)
- Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) – Co-Convenor
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
- Council of Australasian University Librarians (CAUL) – Co-Convenor
- National and State Libraries Australasia (NSLA)
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
- Open Access Australasia (OAA, formerly AOASG) – Co-Convenor
- Universities Australia (UA)
The Australian Open Science Network is convened by Jane Angel (CAUL), Fiona Bradley (OAA), Shannon Callaghan (ARDC), Janet Catterall (OAA) and Keith Russell (ARDC). CAUL, OAA, and ARDC provide administrative and secretariat support.
History
The Australian Open Science Network was formed in late 2022 as the successor to the FAIR Steering Group, following a review of its role and operations conducted by FAIR Steering Group members. Over time, discussions amongst the FAIR Steering Group shifted from focusing on FAIR access to Australia’s research outputs to a broader focus on all aspects of open science. The adoption of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science in November 2021 presented a timely opportunity to rearticulate the role and scope of the group for the future.
The Australian Open Science Network met for the first time on 25 August 2022.
Activities
The Australian Open Science Network meets quarterly. Members collaborate on statements and submissions, and the Network presents an annual event series.
Terms of reference
Download the Terms of Reference.