New Delhi, India – Following two days of productive deliberations involving esteemed local and international stakeholders, the Confederation of Open Access Repositories (COAR) and the Information and Library Network Centre (INFLIBNET) has announced a collaborative initiative aimed at consolidating and enhancing the vibrant network of open science repositories in India.
The agreement, formalized during meetings held on April 17-18, 2024, at the UNESCO offices in New Delhi, underscores a shared commitment to advancing open science principles and practices in India. Attended by government officials, university policymakers, researchers, and open science experts from UNESCO and beyond, the discussions centered on fostering sustainable and inclusive approaches to open science in the Indian context.
A key outcome of the meetings was the recognition of open repositories as essential infrastructure for facilitating cutting-edge research in the 21st century. These repositories not only provide access to valuable datasets but also support digital research practices crucial for driving innovation and knowledge dissemination.
India boasts a wealth of repositories hosted across academic and governmental institutions, each dedicated to promoting the visibility and impact of Indian research. The collaboration between COAR and INFLIBNET aims to enhance cohesion among these repositories, fostering greater interoperability and collaboration within the Indian open science ecosystem.
The timing of this partnership is particularly auspicious, coming on the heels of the G20 Chief Science Advisers’ Roundtable Meeting's resolution to prioritize immediate and free access to publicly funded research publications. The initiative also aligns with efforts to establish interoperability standards that facilitate seamless integration among national and international repositories.
COAR, as the leading global voice for the repository community, is well-positioned to support this endeavor. Kathleen Shearer, Executive Director of COAR, emphasized the importance of integrating Indian repositories into the global open science ecosystem through the adoption of common international standards.
The first phase of the collaboration will involve the launch of a community of practice for repositories in India. This initiative marks the beginning of a broader effort to support and empower Indian repositories, ensuring their active participation in the global open science movement.
As India continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of research and innovation, the partnership between COAR and INFLIBNET stands as a testament to the collective commitment to advancing open science principles and fostering collaboration across borders.
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