Roadmap for Open Science (Canada)

Authors

Mona Nemer, Chief Science Advisor of Canada

Date of this Version

2-2020

Document Type

Article

Citation

Office of the Chief Science Advisor of Canada, ROADMAP FOR OPEN SCIENCE | FEBRUARY 2020

Abstract

The objective of the Roadmap for Open Science is to provide overarching principles and recommendations to guide Open Science* activities in Canada. The recommendations are intended for science and research funded by federal government departments and agencies.

The Roadmap for Open Science was developed in the context of the Directive on Open Government, the Model Policy on Scientific Integrity and the Data Strategy Roadmap for the Federal Public Service. It builds on the Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications and the Statement of Principles on Digital Data Management. A federal approach to supporting Indigenous data strategies is outlined in the Data Strategy Roadmap for the Federal Public Service, Recommendation 8. For this reason, Indigenous knowledge and rights to self-determination are not explicitly covered in this roadmap and its recommendations.

1. PEOPLE: Open Science is a shared commitment between all stakeholders. The scientific community is integral to Open Science and needs to be meaningfully engaged at every stage of the process, including the design, implementation and evaluation of its effectiveness and impact.

2. TRANSPARENCY: Scientific research outputs are “Open by Design and by Default”; they are “FAIR”, i.e. Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable. Withholding scientific research outputs requires a valid reason consistent with a framework (to be developed) on which scientific information will be kept private or confidential.

3. INCLUSIVENESS: In achieving Open Science, diverse and inclusive approaches are used, reflecting the breadth of perspectives across scientific communities and knowledge systems.

4. COLLABORATION: Open Science enables collaborations between and among intramural and extramural science communities, within Canada and globally.

5. SUSTAINABILITY: The practice of Open Science requires a sustainable approach with concrete steps forward and the commitment necessary to achieve the long-term vision.