Terms of Reference
The Open and Collaborative Science in Development Network (OCSDNet) is seeking expressions of interest from researchers who are conducting research about the connections between open and collaborative science, International Development and social justice. We are looking for a wide range of disciplinary perspectives, and welcome researchers from all disciplines.
The duration of the affiliation is subject to the candidate’s availability and interest.
I. What is OCSDNet?
The Open and Collaborative Science in Development Network is composed of twelve researcher-practitioner teams from the Global South interested in understanding the role of openness and collaboration in science as a transformative tool for development thinking and practice. The overarching question OCSDNet is asking is whether, and under what conditions, open and collaborative approaches in research can contribute to the effective application of science seeking to achieve development goals at multiple levels -– from individuals to institutions, and from the national through to regional and global communities. These conditions could include: access to research outputs, wider citizen participation in the framing of research questions, sharing of knowledge, technologies and processes, among others.
Read more about the network here: OCSDNet – About Us.
II. OCSDNet Research Affiliate Program
As an OCSDNet Research Affiliate, you will contribute to a new area of study (Open and Collaborative Science in Development) and be part of a community of Open Science researchers and practitioners, seeking to produce knowledge to inform policy and development practice. We are interested in supporting the visibility of short and medium term research projects that generate further evidence on the conditions that enable or limit open and collaborative research, particularly in the Global South.
We are interested in questions that broaden our understanding about the the structural, technical, policy and cultural barriers for open science, as well as of case studies of successful OCS implementation in the Global South and best practices.
III. OCSDNet Areas of Research
A. Open and Collaborative Science Manifesto
We are interested in research and work that explores, demonstrates or has been shaped by any the concepts or principles of the Open and Collaborative Science Manifesto (Knowledge Commons; Cognitive Justice; Situated Openness; Right to Research; Equitable Collaboration; Inclusive Infrastructures; and/or Sustainable Development). We are interested in understanding in what ways do the principles of the OCS Manifesto converge with or enhance your work; what are the potential barriers, limitations or challenges or the full uptake of these principles in your community or region, and what are some of the connections you see between this vision for openness and your vision for a more equitable scholarly system.
B. OCSDNet Thematic Areas
Alternatively, Research Affiliates are welcome to focus on one of the four thematic areas of OCSDNet:
- Motivations, Incentives and Ideologies behind Open and Collaborative Science: Investigates the contexts and conditions under which Open Science approaches are likely to be adopted by researchers, policy makers and practitioners. This requires an understanding of the actors involved, their behaviours and interactions.
- Infrastructures and Technologies: Investigates OCS reliance on network technologies, and how inequities in connectivity and access limit participation, uptake and success of OCS. This theme also examines the infrastructure that enables or disables OCS, for whom and in what conditions.
- Communities of practices in OCS: Investigates communities of practitioners and stakeholders who shape the landscape of OCSD and may influence uptake and trajectory of OCSD approaches.
- Positive and Negative Impact of OCS: Investigates the proposed benefits for OCSD and find evidence to support them, as well as identifying and evidencing any risks and potential negative impacts.
Read more about OCSDNet thematic areas here.
IV. Expected Research Outputs
OCSDNet will showcase research, work or resources produced by the affiliate that is related or makes reference to OCSDNet’s work. Other research outputs, these will be determined with the candidate. They can include, among others:
- Share annotated bibliographies or contribute to OCS Manifesto reading list
- Write monthly blog for OCSDNet website
- Host network-wide webinars on research findings
- Co-author blog posts with OCSDNet research teams or other fellows on specific topics
If you are interested in becoming an OCSDNet Research Affiliate, please email us at info[at]ocsdnet.org.