The GYA played an active role in the Fourth United Nations Open Science and Open Scholarship Conference, held in October at the United Nations University in Tokyo, Japan. The event gathered policymakers, funders, and researchers to advance Open Science as a global public good.
As a panelist in the session “Policy Pathways for Open Science as a Global Public Good,” GYA Co-Chair Yensi Flores Bueso (University College Cork, Ireland) discussed the recent Statement of the UN Scientific Advisory Board on Open Science, highlighting its implications for governments, academia, and the research community. The conversation underscored the importance of integrating early-career researchers (ECRs) into national and international Open Science frameworks.
In addition, Yensi moderated the panel on “Science Communication and Public Engagement,” which explored how inclusive access to knowledge and effective science communication can empower citizens and strengthen trust in science.
Through coordinated efforts, the GYA ensured that ECRs were represented across the conference, contributing to multiple sessions and the final remarks. This participation positioned the GYA as a catalyst for dialogue between science, policy, and society.
The conference also generated several promising collaborations, including follow-ups with major Open Science networks, funders, and international organisations aiming to support ECR engagement and capacity-building in different regions. These outcomes reaffirm the GYA’s leadership in promoting equitable participation and advancing Open Science as a foundation for trustworthy and inclusive knowledge systems worldwide.