It was a follow up for an online ministerial dialogue ‘Open Science,’ which took place earlier in March.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) partnered with the Pakistan Academy of Sciences to host a webinar under the main theme ‘Covid19 and Open Science.’ The experts discussed the role of open science in the decision making process, especially in the current COVID-19 crisis for countries like Pakistan.
There were over 50 participants from both home and abroad including members of academia, experts and students. Panelists included Patricia McPhillips, UNESCO Representative Pakistan, Prof. Qasim Jan, President Pakistan Academy of Sciences, and Prof. Tariq Banuri, Chairman Higher Education Commission, among other prominent names.
During the webinar, it was reaffirmed that Open Science will be useful in combining forces to carry out research and innovation globally. The panelists emphasized that an open science data platform is critical for evidence-based policy formulation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has strengthened the global need for open access to scientific data. Panelists agreed that while there are several crises underway around the world, with COVID-19 the most severe one, climate, biodiversity, pollution, water and energy are also problems that need to be addressed.
The panelists also discussed short and medium term goals including gender equality in research process and research content, and looking into the ethical aspects while promoting the formal and informal scientific education.
They also emphasized on the need of all stakeholders from civil, scientific and private sectors to collaborate for advancement of open science and work towards establishing an online collaboration portal.
It was a follow up for an online ministerial dialogue ‘Open Science,’ which took place earlier in March.