Resilience of Open Science in Times of Crisis

Slides with speaking notes of my presentation at the Max Planck Digital Library's Open Science Days 2025.

The theme of this year was:

“Open Science in the Light of Geopolitical Polarization”

The current geopolitical landscape is characterized by rising political and trade tensions as well as heightened economic interest in scientific innovation. This polarization has significant implications for the global scientific community, particularly in the pursuit of Open Science. Could the naivety of science be exploited? Where is the line between scientific idealism and naivety?

As major global powers engage in systemic rivalries, the conduct of science is increasingly influenced by national security concerns, export controls, and sanctions that can restrict the free flow of ideas, data, and researchers across borders. Meanwhile, global challenges such as pandemics, climate change, and technology-based development require international scientific collaboration and universal knowledge development. The normative nature of the scientific ethos is increasingly in tension with political forces that demand that science be both vigilant and competitive.

How can Open Science – with its emphasis on transparency, collaboration, efficiency and validity of scientific results – be sustained in the light of these competing interests?

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My presentatation shows how open science is currently threatened by geopolitical uncertainties and dependencies on big tech. It might be that open science is more vulnerable because of its open nature. But this can also be an advantage. We need to become more strategic when thinking about making the open infrastructures we use more sustainable and resilient against exernal powers and threats. 

More information about the symposium: Open Science Days – Open Science in Practice