Science4all: prospects and practice

Abstract

The paper presents with the novel approach to what is today known as Open Science. Authors offer another umbrella term – Science for All (abbreviated as Science4All) – allowing to cover more elements of political agenda in relation to science and its contemporary societal role. These elements are Open Science itself (in a narrower sense), Public Engagement in Research and Innovation (PERI), and Science Communication (SC). Accordingly, the paper provides with more holistic overview and analysis of the corresponding field. Firstly, the focus is Open Science itself, especially its evolution over the past 20 years. The rapid proliferation of open science ideas and initiatives is observed since the Budapest Open Access Initiative (2002) and Bethesda Statement on Open Access Publishing (2003). It is noted that the understanding of openness and transparency of research was eventually widened by opening not only publications, but also research data. Furthermore, it is examined how policy of open science is changing academic culture and what resources are needed for turning principles into practices. Secondly, in relation to PERI, certain conceptual issues are analyzed focusing on the circulation of the variety of terms in this field (as Citizen Science, Citizen Engagement, PERI itself); later, challenges related to the rapid development of the application of PERI are overviewed. Finally, in relation to SC, certain terminological issues are resolved; later, technological & digitalization-related challenges (especially related to the fake news phenomenon) to SC are analyzed and certain solutions and suggestions for improvement offered.