Open science: Exchange with Ukrainian librarians in Konstanz!

Open science: Exchange with Ukrainian librarians in Konstanz!

The EUniWell Open Science Staff Week, which takes place from March 24th to 27th, 2025 at the University of Konstanz took place, brought together a large number of scientific experts. The participants included researchers, librarians and administrative staff who dealt intensively with the central aspects of Open Science. A special highlight of the event was the visit by Maryna Zhenchenko, the director of the Scientific Library at Taras Shevchenko University in Kyiv.

During the meeting, personal discussions took place between Oliver Kohl-Frey, the director of the KIM, and Anja Oberländer, the deputy director, as well as Maryna Zhenchenko. These discussions concerned the current situation of libraries and universities in wartime and the increasing importance of open science. Zhenchenko encouraged the establishment of an Open Science Team at her library, which will be supported by the KIM in close cooperation with the International Office of the University of Konstanz.

Global perspectives on open science

The discussions during the EUniWell Open Science Staff Week are in the context of global efforts to comprehensively promote open science. The UNESCO has issued a Recommendation on Open Science, which provides an international framework for open science policy and practice. This framework takes into account disciplinary and regional differences in perspectives on open science and places particular emphasis on academic freedom and gender-transformative approaches.

A central aim of the UNESCO recommendation is to reduce digital, technological and knowledge inequalities between and within countries. The Recommendation was adopted in November 2021 during the 41st session of the UNESCO General Assembly following an inclusive, transparent and multi-sided consultation process.

Future prospects and exchange programs

Maryna Zhenchenko's commitment to Open Science and the planned involvement of Ukrainian colleagues in staff exchange programs show how important international exchange and collaboration are today. These initiatives could not only help to improve the situation locally, but also provide valuable impetus for the Open Science movement worldwide.

In summary, this week at the University of Konstanz shows that the challenges facing science cannot be viewed in isolation. They are part of a larger global discourse about the future of science and its accessibility for all.