# “It’s messy and it’s massive”: How has the open science debate developed in the post-COVID era?

## TL;DR

This study explores how the open science debate has evolved since the pandemic, highlighting systemic challenges and the need for cultural and structural reforms.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the systemic challenges and evolving discourse around open science in the post-COVID era.

## Key findings

- The pandemic accelerated open science adoption but exposed systemic challenges.
- Key issues include regional variations, equity, and the need to reform reward structures.
- A complex understanding of open science is needed to address cultural and geographical differences.

## Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the global adoption of open science (OS) practices. However, as the pandemic subsides, the debate around OS continues to evolve. This study investigates how the pandemic has shaped the OS discourse and identifies key issues and challenges. Interviews were conducted with influential stakeholders across the research and publishing communities. The findings show that while many areas of debate remained constant, the ways in which they were discussed exposed underlying systemic challenges, which must be addressed if OS is to progress. These issues included the scope and definition of OS; regional variations in its implementation; the relationship between OS and fundamental questions of the purpose and practice of science; and the need to reform incentives and reward structures within the research system. A more complex understanding of OS is required, which takes into account the importance of equity and diversity and the challenges of implementing OS in different cultural and geographical contexts. The study emphasises the importance of shifting scientific culture to prioritise values such as quality, integrity, and openness, and reforming rewards structures to incentivise open practices.