What About Open Science? (Aisling's version)

What About Open Science is a competitive Open Educational Resource (OER) game designed to create discussion around common open science concepts and ideas that everyone should understand but do not always fully grasp.

These files contain a Gudiance Document, Slides for instruction and game play, and printable items to be used for the game. In addition, there are graphics, printable stickers, remix posters and svg. files, which makes the game easy to adapt and remix. 

This game is suitable for all audiences with, or without previous understanding of open science, although participants with previous knowledge do have an advantage in discussions. Participants do not need to prepare for the game in advance. 

Participants will be grouped into teams where they first name their ‘institution’ (team name) and begin playing the game to win BOBs (Bogus Open Science Bucks) to spend on Open Science initiatives at the end. Throughout the rounds, teams will discuss Open Science topics (e.g. APCs). At the end of the rounds, the teams are presented with a ‘Pricelist’ and spend the BOBs they have won. The teams then explain their discussions and decisions. 

What About Open Science was developed after Aisling Coyne, Sarah Coombs and Katrine Sundsbø won the UKSG Innovation Award 2023. We want to thank UKSG for their support in creating this game. 

‘What about Open Science’ in its current version was finalised after the unexpected death of Aisling Coyne, who was the lead creator on this game. Aisling was a creative, rebellious, curious, kind and intelligent individual with an amazing sense of humour. We hope that those who play the game, remix or repurpose the game do so with Aisling’s rebellious and playful spirit in mind. She loved to challenge the status quo, fought for equity and was an amazing advocate for open science and open scholarship. She was also a brilliant What About Open Science gameshow host. Just the best.

She is forever in our hearts and is terribly missed.