What does it mean when research is open?

RE SEARCH: PUTTING THE RESEARCHER FIRST

Whatdoes open science really mean?

An open culture has always been crucial for the development of science, but especially digitalisation has exponentially increased the number of people interested in science. The starting point for openness in science is that research results are available for all and publication activity is not unreasonably expensive – as is currently the case.

However, the culture is changing, altering the cost structure of science publishing. The tendency is that only publishing is paid for and everyone should have an opportunity to access the content for free.

AT ITS BE ST, OPENNE SS ENCOURAGE S CITIZEN SCIENCE.

STRATEGIC GOAL

JYU’s career development model

is transparent and based on clearly

defined recruitment practices and

career path opportunities. 19

The model aims at the rapid sharing of scientific data – not only with other researchers but also with the public, whose taxes enable the majority of research.

This also makes the development of science equal, because open access means more visibility for individual researchers – everywhere and regardless of financial resources.

At its best, openness encourages citizen science. As citizens participate in research, for example, by collecting material on different topics, companies and decision-makers get up-todate information. For example, the development of artificial intelligence applications will speed up when information is freed from behind payment walls. HenrikKunttu is a professor of physical chemistry at the University of Jyväskylä. In 2017–2022, Kunttu is the vice rector leading the research and innovation activity at the University of Jyväskylä.

The level of openness at JYU is also indicated by how researchers are encouraged to embrace it, how accessible the processes are and how important it is strategically. At the University of Jyväskylä, openness is part of our strong academic culture.