The importance of open access to scholarly scientific knowledge, science advice and national science advice mechanisms in building trust in science

In this brief text, I will share reflections based on my dual role as Chief Scientist of Quebec—where I’ve had the privilege of serving for 13 years, the longest tenure of any Chief Scientist globally—and as President of the International Network for Governmental Science Advice, an organization of over 5,000 members from more than 120 countries. Throughout my remarks, I will draw on personal examples to illustrate key points.

This summary is based on a keynote address that I gave on September 6th 2024 at the Chief Scientist Advisor Roundtable (CSAR) co- organized by the Chief Scientist Advisor of India and UNESCO at their headquarters in Paris. The discussion focused on key issues such as fostering open science, bridging knowledge asymmetry, and building global science advice capacity.

Published on October 22nd, 2024

Open Science and Free Access to Publications

In recent years, UNESCO has played a leadership role in promoting open science. The 2021 Declaration on Global Open Access to scientific publications is a prime example of this commitment. UNESCO has championed the notion of immediate and cost-free access to scientific literature, often referred to as the ‘Diamond model’, where neither the authors nor the readers bear any costs. The Diamond model is one among many with other examples of open access being developed in various parts of the world including Latin America, Africa, Arabic countries and others.

Several nations and organizations such as Coalition S, France, the European Union, the United States under the Biden administration, Canada and Quebec have adopted open access policies using a diversity of models including the Diamond model. Quebec’s Research Fund (FRQ), which I oversee, signed the Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and actively supports Coalition S, advocating for free access to scientific publications in all languages independent of the open access model.

While these efforts are laudable, they remain insufficient. We must move to the next phase: measuring compliance and understanding the impact of open access initiatives. Open access is still not secured and policy support to all and any open access model still needs to be implemented by many governments, funders, and institutions that still allow the use of public funds to pay for closed and paywalled science.

Moreover, is open access truly expanding access to knowledge worldwide? Is it financially viable for all countries, particularly those in the Global South? These questions must be answered as we refine our strategies including the so-called diamond model.

One approach to addressing these challenges is the broad strategy proposed by the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment, spearheaded in Europe, notably by the French National Research Agency (ANR). This initiative seeks to implement many of the principles outlined in DORA and the UNESCO recommendations, though its full impact will take time to materialize.

Artificial intelligence (AI) might also be part of the solution. AI could help ensure that scientific papers published in various languages—whether in French, Japanese, or Inuktitut—are properly indexed and included in global databases. A recent partnership between France and Quebec on the "Découvrabilité des contenus scientifiques en français" may serve as a model in this respect. The initiative scans global scientific literature to catalogue every paper published in French and promotes AI-based automatic translation of scientific publications from French into other languages and vice versa. Of course, expert translators are more essential than ever to validate AI-supported translations.  Expanding such efforts across all languages could help achieve truly open science, bridging knowledge asymmetry and ensuring access for experts and citizens alike.  It is also essential to ensure that data is protected globally when AI is used. This rule should apply everywhere but especially in the Global South to ensure that their data is properly protected. Discussion is underway on this very topic at global forums like the G7 and G20.

Improving Global Science Literacy

Another essential component of our shared mission is improving global science literacy, and open science strategies should have a positive impact. This goal aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

Of course, enhancing science literacy on a global scale is easier said than done, but it is vital if we are to make meaningful progress in areas such as open access and science advice. Collaborating to develop online science courses and training programs accessible to all is a key step forward. AI-related strategies could also play a role in improving global access to educational resources.

We must also focus on "training the trainers," taking cultural and linguistic aspects into account. This also means creating more effective and ambitious citizen science programs. In Quebec, for example, the FRQ has launched initiatives like "Audace" and "Engagement," which encourage citizen-led science projects. However, more needs to be done both locally and globally. Improving science literacy is critical to this effort, as it helps counter the spread of misinformation and fake news—a growing threat to the integrity of scientific discourse.

Science literacy should be seen as an essential strategy in the fight against disinformation and the erosion of public trust in science. If we want science to reclaim its leadership and credibility in society, we must equip citizens with the tools they need to understand and engage with scientific knowledge. Science-related misinformation and disinformation are a real concern globally as seen even in highly developed countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The trust in science must be preserved carefully and diligently with adequate attention to it everywhere in the world. In that regard, global collaboration and partnership on this question should become the norm.

Building Science Advice Capacity

Now, let me turn to a critically important theme: building capacity for science advice globally. INGSA has been at the forefront of these efforts for the past decade, working to strengthen science advice capabilities, particularly in the Global South. For more details, INGSA's first strategic plan should be consulted.

Since its establishment by Sir Peter Gluckman and colleagues, INGSA has conducted dynamic training workshops worldwide. These action-oriented, role-playing workshops help participants develop practical skills in providing science advice. Our focus has been on regions such as Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia. Currently and as a major priority during my presidency, we are working on expanding our efforts in Europe and North America. Each INGSA chapter has a unique flavour and set of objectives and over the next few years, I hope that our network of chapters will work more closely together to share expertise, best practices and practical knowledge in the science of science advice. We are also aiming to establish permanent training hubs in the Global South, the first one being developed at the University of Rwanda in Kigali. Our last global meeting was most successfully recently held in Kigali on May 1st-3rd, 2024 with over 200 participants from more than 65 countries. The main overall objective of the meeting was the transformation imperative. It cannot be business as usual any longer. Creativity, increased genuine listening capacities, and true partnerships must prevail at all levels.

One of the key takeaway messages from INGSA’s activities over the past decade is that there is no one-size-fits-all model for science advice. Science advice must be tailored to the local context, considering factors like culture, language, and governance structures. To that end, FRQ and INGSA have recently launched an international network for science advice in French-speaking countries, the RFICS. Although it is still in its early days, this network is already making a difference in building science advice capacity, especially in Africa.

Another important point to remember is that the effectiveness of science advice varies by governance level. The advice provided to global organizations such as the United Nations and UNESCO differs significantly from advice needed by national and regional governments or local authorities. In fact, proximity governments in cities or small municipalities often offers unique opportunities for impact. At this level, science advice must be practical, fact-based, and actionable. Local governments are also closer to citizens, making it easier for all to see the tangible effects of good advice, for example in areas such as adaptation and resilience to climate changes (flooding, wildfire management) and safety and security of local communities. Moreover, increasing science literacy at all levels of our society should facilitate the uptake of science advice by high level policy makers and government officials.

In Quebec, the FRQ has developed programs to support Chief Scientist appointments in cities, both large and small, and we are launching training programs for graduate students and fellows to engage with local governments (‘scientifiques en résidence’). These types of initiatives should be expanded globally, and adapted to local environments, to ensure effective and impactful science advice. It will be the main topic of the INGSA North American chapter.

Strengthening Science Diplomacy

Lastly, let me address the role of science diplomacy. In today’s fractured world, the need for science diplomacy has never been greater. We are facing global challenges that transcend borders—climate change, biodiversity loss, artificial intelligence, the digital divide, and mass migration. Science, and by extension science diplomacy, can and must play a role in addressing these challenges.

Science diplomacy is often dismissed as a passing trend, but I disagree. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for scientifically informed diplomacy will only grow. However, to be effective, science diplomacy requires a clear understanding of what it entails, as well as proper training. Science diplomacy is not simply synonymous with scientific collaborations which it is too often mistaken for.

Several universities and government agencies are beginning to develop training programs in science diplomacy, and exchanges of best practices—tailored to cultural and local contexts—must be encouraged. At HEC Montreal, Professor Michel Audet is organizing each year highly successful summer schools in science diplomacy with a very varied hands-on program. Under the leadership of Professor Gluckman, the International Science Council (ISC) is now considered as a leader in the field of science diplomacy with more to come on that front. Moreover, the Foreign Ministries Science & Technology Advice network, linked to INGSA, is an example of an initiative that promotes collaboration and knowledge-sharing in this field, though much more is needed.

In Quebec, we are taking the issue of science diplomacy seriously. The FRQ is in the process of establishing a network of six to eight science diplomacy chairs, which will be global from the outset. The first one has just been created between Laval University in Quebec City and Sorbonne University in Paris. We are eager to collaborate with any interested partners around the world on this critical issue including by developing mass training online programs.

Working Together

The themes of open science, science literacy, science advice, and science diplomacy are interconnected. Together, they form the foundation for success in addressing the global challenges we face. Working together on these fronts, and in collaboration with organizations like UNESCO, we can open doors, bridge knowledge gaps, and build capacity for a better future.

We must learn from one another, particularly from our colleagues in the Global South, and ensure that no one is left behind. This is essential as we move through this decade of fundamental science in support of sustainable development and the SDGs.

The world is facing exceptional, life-threatening challenges—perhaps the greatest of all time. Think of climate change or the rapid advancement of AI. All branches of science, but especially social sciences and humanities, will be needed to address these issues.

By joining forces, and ensuring that our efforts remain grounded in humanity, I am optimistic that we will succeed.

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