INTRODUCTION TO OPEN SCIENCE

According to www.fosteropenscience.eu, Open Science is the practice of science in such a way that others can collaborate and contribute, where research data, lab notes and other research processes are freely available, under terms that enable reuse, redistribution and reproduction of the research and its underlying data and methods.

Open Science represents a new approach to the scientific process based on cooperative work and new ways of diffusing knowledge by using digital technologies and new collaborative tools. Open Science is the practice of science in such a way that others can collaborate and contribute, where research data, lab notes and other research processes are freely available, under terms that enable reuse, redistribution and reproduction of the research and its underlying data and methods.

EUROPEAN OPEN SCIENCE CLOUD (EOSC)

The European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) portal was launched on 23rd November 2018. The process marked the conclusion of a long process of consultation and discussions with stakeholders by the European Commission.

The EOSC Portal provides access to data, services and resources and a source of up-to-date information about the EOSC initiative, including best practices, governance and user stories.

The Portal is the first step towards the EOSC implementation, putting into practice the European Commission’s vision for Open Science. It brings convergence to a fragmented research ecosystem and fosters FAIR rules of participation.

Service providers, research communities and other entities with a stake in EOSC are invited to visit the EOSC Portal and explore how they can benefit from its functionalities.

CITIZEN SCIENCE

The term citizen science is used in many ways—indeed citizen science projects can take a variety of approaches, have different goals, and involve many disciplines of science. In its broad sense, citizen science can be defined as engaging the public in a scientific projects and allows people who are not traditionally involved in doing science and gathering data, to become active contributors to real science. 

Malta has launched several Citizen Science schemes to collect additional data through public participation. Citizens and stakeholder groups are increasingly volunteering in initiatives through various platforms.

Examples of Citizen Science in Malta:

Malta Flora and Fauna app 

https://www.mita.gov.mt/en/ict-features/Pages/2017/13-Malta-Flora-and-Fauna.aspx
 
Spot the Jellyfish 
http://oceania.research.um.edu.mt/jellyfish/
 
Spot the Alien Fish 
http://www.aliensmalta.eu/
 
Spot a Sparrow 
https://birdlifemalta.org/environmental-education/community-projects/spot-sparrow
 
LIFE MIGRATE Project 
http://lifeprojectmigrate.com
 
Wild for Orchids and Akustika Citizen Science Programmes project 
https://www.facebook.com/greenhouse2008
 
Akustika - National Survey of Maltese Bat Species
https://www.facebook.com/greenhouse2008/

UPDATES ON OPEN SCIENCE ACTIVITIES IN MALTA