Open Science and Open Access

Open Science

Open Science is a movement aimed at disseminating scientific knowledge, especially that funded with public resources, in the broadest, free, online, and reusable way possible. 

It aims to enable anyone, whether a researcher, enthusiast, or professional, to access scientific research as a whole, not only publications but also methods, data, instruments, or software used. 

Open Science goes beyond free and open access to scientific publications and research data; it includes other areas as indicated by the 6 principles on which it is based:

It represents a shift in the scientific system or paradigm, urging the use and sharing of previously available knowledge as the foundation for new research. 
In this way, Open Science is understood as any scientific process based on open tools, cooperative work, and the dissemination of knowledge.

Definition taken from Horizon Europe Participant Guide. Ministry of Science and Innovation CDTI, E.P.E. and Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), 2022, p. 80. CC-BY-NC-ND.

Open Science guide in pictures

Open Access

Open Access (OA) refers to the access to information and the use of digital resources (texts, data, databases, software, audio, videos, and multimedia materials) without technical or economic restrictions.

In academia and science, Open Access refers to the permanent, free and unrestricted distribution, publication and access to research results and scholarly information.

Benefits of Open Access:

  • Facilitates the dissemination and transfer of knowledge.
  • Accelerates innovation.
  • Ensures the preservation of research results.
  • Increases the visibility and impact of scientific production.
  • Allows universal access to scientific information.
  • Promotes equal access to information.
  • Contributes to the return on investment to society.
Remember that in the context of R&D&I, Open Access covers two main categories:
  • Research documents: articles published in scientific journals, conference papers, grey literature, doctoral theses, Bachelor's and Master's theses, teaching materials, etc.
  • Research data: data that constitutes the empirical basis of research and/or primary data.

To find out more: