Ana María Cetto, a Mexican physicist, advocates for open science as a way to ensure that scientific knowledge remains a public good. She has been appointed president of UNESCO’s Open Science Steering Committee, focusing on making information more accessible for everyone. Open science benefits society by allowing access to research that is otherwise restricted due to high publication costs set by certain companies.
In Latin America, there are specific challenges regarding access to scientific knowledge. Governments must do more than just support open science; they need to invest in the necessary infrastructure for implementation. Many researchers face pressure to publish in expensive journals, which further limits accessibility.
Despite these challenges, initiatives like Latindex and Redalyc are paving the way for open access in the region. The work of these platforms creates an environment where knowledge can be shared freely. However, achieving truly inclusive open science also means acknowledging and integrating diverse knowledge systems from different sectors of society.
Difficult words
- advocate — to support or recommend a cause or idea.advocates
- accessible — easy to reach or obtain.
- infrastructure — the basic systems needed for a country or organization.
- inclusive — including everyone or everything.
- initiative — a new plan or program to achieve something.initiatives
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can open science improve society?
- What are the challenges of accessing scientific knowledge in your country?
- Why is it important to include different knowledge systems?
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