Science Commons Announcements

["Donna Wentworth" <dwentworth AT creativecommons.org>]

SCOAP3's Jens Vigen: opening access on a global scale

June 30th, 2008 by dwentworth

Among the biggest challenges for opening access to scientific research is developing sustainable ways to fund it. CERN's SCOAP³ has been a global trailblazer, setting up a system where funding bodies and libraries contribute to the consortium, which pays centrally for peer review. The INIST-CNRS in France has a new interview with Jens Vigen, scientific information officer and director of the CERN library. Vigen explains how SCOAP³ came to be, discusses the principles behind the funding system and where the project is headed next. 

Excerpt (from the Google English translation):

Three elements were important in [CERN launching SCOAP³]: our long tradition of [pre-print publishing], the fact that the Open Access movement among librarians [had] gained momentum since 2003 and the fact that some journals in particle physics models already offered free access long before the concept [was widely] accepted. CERN, which supported and supports these journals, decided to respond to this moment. A briefing was held in September 2005, with researchers to explain the movement and [raise] awareness, then a two-day seminar in late 2005, with those involved in science communication: publishers, funding agencies and researchers. Following this meeting, a task force was set up bringing together publishers, representatives of agencies and researchers. Their discussions led to the model of sponsorship.

In a few weeks, Science Commons will hold a free, open workshop featuring Vigen and others who are leading the charge for open access to scientific rsearch. The workshop, held July 16-17 in conjunction with ESOF 2008 in Barcelona, Spain, is aimed at defining the foundational principles to foster the growth of open science worldwide. Vigen will talk about the state of open access in nations across the globe, as well as offering his perspective on strategies to take the movement to the next level. 

If you plan to join us, we encourage you to register here. If you have questions, please let us know. We hope to see you there.