Data Policy for Times of Crisis (DPTC)

Data Policy for Times of Crisis Facilitated by Open Science

A Global Project on Developing Guidance, a Checklist, and a Factsheet as Contributions to the UNESCO Open Science Toolkit (UNESCO-CODATA DPTC)

Introduction

The UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science (2021) is the first international standard-setting instrument for open science. Comprising a set of guides, policy briefs, factsheets and indexes, the UNESCO Open Science Toolkit is designed to support implementation of the Recommendation. Each piece is a living resource updated to reflect new developments and the status of implementation of the Recommendation. Elements of this toolkit are developed in collaboration with UNESCO Open Science partners or through discussions with and inputs from the members of the UNESCO Working Groups on Open Science. This project is a CODATA-coordinated contribution to this resource, focusing on Open Science and Policy issues in times of crisis. 

Project Deliverables

This project develops guidance and tools for data policy in times of crisis facilitated by open science. It focuses on providing the following contributions to the UNESCO Open Science Toolkit: 

1. Guidance on Data Policy for Open Science in Times of Crisis
   A. Guidance for policymakers
   This guidance will provide advice on policies for data collection, processing, management, and governance that foster transparency, collaboration, and accessibility while addressing the unique challenges posed by crises.  It will be of use to policymakers at a number of levels, including local, national, regional or international levels of decision making. This guidance will be of particular use for the national disaster management agency or equivalent focal point for access to immediately accessible data for use in times of crisis.
   B. Guidance for scientists
   This guidance will support scientists with comprehensive and practical advice that empowers them and assists in their data policy considerations, including in adopting open science practices, ways to collaborate effectively in support of providing data policy advice, and suggesting ways to contribute to collective efforts in crisis preparation, response, management, and reconstruction.
2. A checklist for Data Policy for Open Science in Times of Crisis
   The checklist will serve as a practical tool for countries, institutions, and researchers involved in collecting, processing, managing, and sharing data during crisis situations. It will help to implement the UNESCO values, principles, and recommendations in a way that promotes data transparency, accessibility, and collaboration. This will be a simple tool organising lists of items and tasks to be assured and performed in the preparation, response, and reconstruction of crises.
3. A factsheet Data Policy for Open Science in Times of Crisis
   The factsheet will provide concise and easily understandable information about the key principles, considerations, and recommendations related to data policy in the context of open science during times of crisis. It serves as a communication and advocacy tool to raise awareness and promote understanding among various stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, institutions, and the general public.

Project objectives

The principal objective of these contributions to the UNESCO Open Science Toolkit will be to provide a comprehensive and practical resource that supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of data policies for open science during crises. The guidance, checklist and factsheet are intended to assist policymakers, researchers, institutions, and data managers in effectively collecting, processing, managing, and governing data in a crisis context. This project supports UNESCO’s open science principles and values by promoting good practice and contributing to evidence-based decision-making in the management and governance of crises. This this purpose is supported by the following specific objectives:

1. to assist policymakers in formulating data policies that promote open science during crises;
2. to help stakeholders implement data policies by through the toolkit contributions being designed;
3. to support capacity building efforts through the tools developed for open science practices and crisis-specific considerations;
4. to promote collaboration among stakeholders involved in crisis response and research;
5. to provide resources for evaluating the effectiveness of data policies and practices in open science frameworks during crises;
6. to serve as elements of a communication and advocacy toolkit to raise awareness about the importance of open science and effective data policies during crises; and
7. to be adaptable, flexible, and customizable to suit varying contexts and crisis scenarios by providing stakeholders with appropriately tailored tools to address their specific policy-related needs in an open science framework, taking into account local regulations, cultural considerations, and available resources.