What if the future of research wasn’t confined by paywalls or outdated metrics? Academic and scientific progress depends on democratized access to knowledge, yet barriers like paywalls and antiquated evaluation systems continue to hinder innovation and collaboration.
On 4 December 2024, the University of Pécs hosted a workshop titled “Open Science: Trends, Challenges, and Solutions” as part of the EDUC-WIDE project. Held at the PTE University Library and Knowledge Centre, the event aimed to empower academics and research professionals to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of open science. Morning sessions were conducted in English, while the afternoon was dedicated to Hungarian discussions, ensuring accessibility for a diverse audience of the EDUC Alliance.
Addressing Current Challenges
The workshop opened with a keynote by Dr Katalin Füzér, EDUC-WIDE project lead at the University of Pécs, who emphasized the urgency of breaking down barriers to research accessibility. The following roundtables and presentations highlighted the potential of open science and artificial intelligence. Key topics included adapting to the challenges posed by AI and the reform of research evaluation practices. A central focus was the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) initiative, which promotes qualitative, holistic evaluation approaches over traditional metrics. Participants explored how these changes could elevate research quality and impact.
Concrete Solutions and Resources
Paywalls—which restrict access to research without expensive subscriptions—are a significant obstacle to scientific progress. For-profit publishers like Elsevier consistently report profit margins of 35-40%, exceeding even tech giants like Google. University librarians, often bound by non-disclosure agreements, are further hindered in their ability to advocate for fair pricing structures.
To counter these challenges, the University of Pécs presented its Open Access Publishing service, built on two main pillars:
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National Read-and-Publish Agreements: These agreements enable the university to cover article processing charges (APCs) for authors, making research freely accessible upon publication.
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Institutional Open Access Fund: Supported by the university’s maintenance foundation, this fund relieves authors of APC fees, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Masaryk University showcased its University Press's sustainable publishing practices and highlighted the value of international collaboration to uphold high academic standards while ensuring broader accessibility.
EDUC-WIDE: A Platform for Open Science
The EDUC Alliance emerged as a vital enabler of open science, fostering collaboration among European universities. By sharing resources, best practices, and expertise, the alliance empowers researchers to navigate the evolving academic landscape. Masaryk University Press, which manages over 50 scientific journals and 400 scholarly books annually, exemplifies how diverse institutions can work together to amplify research capacities and ensure impactful outcomes. The EDUC-WIDE initiative’s role as a hub for knowledge-sharing underscores its importance in driving innovation and sustainability in academic publishing.
A Call to Action for Academic Empowerment
The workshop concluded with a compelling call to action: researchers must actively embrace the principles of open science and leverage platforms like CoARA and EDUC-WIDE to redefine the future of academic publishing. By prioritizing open access and breaking free from outdated metrics, the academic community can unlock new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
The democratization of scholarly publishing depends on collective action. Paywalls not only stifle scientific progress but also exclude countless potential contributors from addressing the world’s most pressing problems. Open access is not just a technological shift—it’s a moral imperative for a fair and inclusive research ecosystem.