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Global Access to Research Software
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At a glance
- Submission Name: Global Access to Research Software
- Contact Lead: [email protected]
- External Site Link (optional - primarily for projects): https://globalyoungacademy.net/activities/global-access-to-research-software/
- Region: #Global
- Issue Area: #OpenAccess, #OpenResearch
- Issue Type: #Project
- Types of Support Needed: #Advocacy_and_Policy, #Communications, #Community_GrassrootsOrganizing
Description
Recent research has shown that researchers in low- and middle income countries overwhelmingly rely on proprietary software, but they often do not have the means to acquire this software. Furthermore, the desired Research Software is highly field-specific and diverse.
On the other hand, they are hardly aware of the existence and possibilities of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) alternatives to proprietary Research Software.
As a result, a survey has shown that the lack of access to software significantly affects research content and networks. The lack of access to Research Software thus obstructs equal research opportunities and the reproducibility of research results.
How do we raise awareness of field-specific Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in low- and middle income countries? What are the right networks and strategies for communication and dissemination?
What are we working on during the do-a-thon? What kinds of support do we need?
#Advocacy_and_Policy, #Communications, #Community_GrassrootsOrganizing_
- Brainstorming on how do we raise awareness of field-specific Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in low- and middle income countries?
- Finding the right networks and strategies for communication and dissemination of awareness and knowledge of FOSS.
How can others contribute?
- Brainstorming on how do we raise awareness of field-specific Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in low- and middle income countries?
- Sharing the right networks and strategies for communication and dissemination of awareness and knowledge of FOSS.
- Advocating the uptake of FOSS by researchers in richer countries, as this may increase visibility elsewhere too and it will downplay compatibility concerns.
- Grassroots global advocacy of FOSS.
This post is part of the OpenCon 2017 Do-A-Thon. Not sure what's going on? Head here.
Some notes:
- This doesn't appear to only be a LMIC problem: a researcher in US found students there only use the tools provided by the institution too, and aren't aware of others. More info on this and an idea.
- David Perez is trying to gather a list of good tools for collaborative research online and with an annual conference (maybe not an option for all). You can use and contribute to his resources on GitHub - [more info](info at https://github.com/npscience/eLife-at-MozFest2017/issues/17).
- The FOSS community seemingly needs support everywhere, I'd love to hear about it from your context too.
- NumFocus could be a good resource?
thanks for your comment! I'll look into yhe tools you mention. The LMIC problem is that the don't have the means to use traditional software, but just aren't aware about FOSS, which is quite dramatic for their research. I think bottom up activism will be key. There should be FOSS ambassadors at different universities, or somethong like it
Thanks Koen @KoenVermeir for opening this here and thanks Naomi @npscience for your feedback. You are quite correct. In fact when the Working Group was formed at the Global Young Academy, it was named Research Software for Developing Countries. It was changed to Global Access to Research Software when several members from developed countries felt they too face barriers in access. However the survey Koen mentioned focused on LMICs or developing countries and it documented not only the low take-up, which is a global issue, but the low awareness itself of FOSS.
I think this could work mostly for early career researcher too. FOSS are useful in advancing research. My question is, do we need to create a list first before we look at advocacy? I'm really interested to learn from this group.
@KoenVermeir, Talking of networks, in Africa you might be interested to check out the Next Einstein Forum on http://nef.org/
It is really very timely and relevant project. I would like to be parts of the project and support on spreading the available open source research software to my African colleagues.
Good to see continued / renewed interested in GARS. This is very rewarding!
Just an anecdotal point - GARS (originally as RSDC) was proposed in Berlin in 2011 at the first AGM or GA of the GYA.
Hi all,
we're physically present in the Goethe room (the main conference room); We'll continue after lunch and the lightning sessions.
Thanks for joining in! --Koen
Hi all: to provide some more background (it was in the original OpenCon application, but doesn't appear here on Github):
this project started with a GYA survey and research report on the uptake of FOSS: https://globalyoungacademy.net/activities/global-access-to-research-software/
now we want to work with the results and find ways to raise awareness of FOSS, especially in LMIC countries
Hi all, we're starting again at 4 PM in the Goethe room. looking forward to seeing you!
Hi I could not locate you so I joined the#60 for librarians. I was interested in the FOSS but I struggled to find the group.
Kind Regards,
Lena Nyahodza
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Lena Nyahodza Scholarly Communications Librarian University of Cape Town Libraries Email: [email protected]mailto:[email protected] Tel: +27 (0)21 650 5469 Research Wing: Level 5, Office 7 Chancellor Oppenheimer Library
From: livia [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 13 November 2017 01:02 PM To: sparcopen/doathon [email protected] Cc: Lena Nyahodza [email protected]; Manual [email protected] Subject: Re: [sparcopen/doathon] Global Access to Research Software (#34)
hey, are you seated somewhere?
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