Issue 16

Open Science Newsletter

OPEN SCIENCE

Do scientists reuse open data? Yes they do, but use cases vary and counter to usual narratives reuse does not often involve new research questions, according to this perspective by Irene Pasquetto.

An open science approach to artificial intelligence in healthcare. Ways in which the field of machine learning has adapted open science principles (open data, open research, open access publishing, open tools). The open science approach is particularly relevant for sensitive systems: “The use of ‘black-box’ systems or the introduction of systems that have not demonstrated clinical effectiveness may not be acceptable approaches for the safety-critical healthcare context.”

Open science challenges, benefits and tips in early career and beyond. A Perspective by Chris Allen and David M. A. Mehler in PLOS Biology on the benefits as well as challenges of practising open science.

Bringing open science to neuroinformatics. A report by Helena Ledmyr on practicing open science at the International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility (INCF).

PUBLISHING

The São Paulo statement on open access, by the African Open Science Platform, AmeLICA, cOAlition S, OA2020, and SciELO. The first item of their statement states that “scholarly and scientific knowledge is a global public good. When generated by public funds, free access to it is a universal right.”

RESEARCH

The Ebola outbreak in Congo has now caused 1,008 deaths, making this the second-deadliest Ebola outbreak in history.

EVENTS

The infirmity of open science in pharmaceutical research. A talk by Philip Mirowski, followed by a panel discussion between Mariana Mazzucato, Jack Stilgoe and Matthew Todd. The responding panel discussion appears interesting. Mirkowski in the talk suggests that “rather than the panacea for the ills of science in the 21st century, open science is a Trojan Horse for reinforcing the neoliberal commercialisation of science.” There might be arguments made in response. June 4, 2019 in London, UK.

Future-proofing your research: Moving Towards Open & Reproducible Research. A one-day training event on June 4, 2019 in Lancaster, UK.

UCL Open Science Day 2019. May 23, 2019 at UCL, London, UK. Talks and workshops around open science.

OTHER

The U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has voted overwhelmingly to allow ejection of members for offenses included in its new Code of Conduct, which addresses sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying and other offenses.