16 February 2024
In a concerted effort to foster a culture of open science, prominent research funders in the United States convened for a discussion forum hosted by Frontiers in January. Representatives from organizations such as the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the Alzheimer’s Association came together to address key challenges and opportunities in supporting and incentivizing open science initiatives.
The forum focused on three major topics: the role of funders in leading open access, practical examples of open access implementation, and new initiatives to shape the future of open science. Drawing parallels with their European counterparts, the US funders engaged in discussions aimed at driving cultural change within the scholarly community.
One significant point of discussion was the impact of the OSTP Nelson Memo, issued in August 2022, which outlined guidelines for widening public access to federally funded research. Funders noted that while the Memo aligns with policies they have long advocated for, federal support can further bolster open science frameworks already gaining traction.
Recognizing their pivotal role in driving cultural change, funders underscored the importance of understanding their communities' evolving needs, particularly in areas such as open data and protocols. Moreover, the shift in research assessment practices—from quantitative metrics to holistic evaluations—reflects a broader recognition of the diverse outputs valuable to the research community.
In response to evolving assessment criteria, funders are diversifying their views on grant funding outputs, acknowledging the value of preprints, open datasets, and other shareable materials in advancing scientific knowledge. However, incentivizing timely sharing of such outputs remains a challenge for funders and stakeholders alike.
The discussion forum serves as a testament to the collective commitment of US funders and stakeholders to drive cultural change in scholarly communication, paving the way for a more open and transparent research ecosystem.