National Open Science policy validation & Scientific publishing - Sierra Leone

Africa/Freetown
Main Conference Hall (New Brookfields Hotel)

Main Conference Hall

New Brookfields Hotel

Freetown, Sierra Leone
Thomas Songu (SLREN, Njala University, SierraLeone), Osman Sankoh (University of Management & Technology / Sierra Leone Writers Series (SLWS)), Fatmata Kaiwa (Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE))
Description

Following the establishment of the National Open Science Policy Development taskforce, MTHE, SLREN, and SLWS propose to host a two-day workshop to validate the National Open Science Policy on the first day and on the following day,  towards establishing a national platform for Academic Publishing for Sierra Leone.  The academic publishing workshop on Day 2 will explore how the methodologies and networks of SLWS can be adapted/strengthened for scientific literature, thereby enhancing the visibility and accessibility of Sierra Leonean research.

Objectives

  1. Validate the National Open Science policy
  2. Assess the current landscape of scientific publishing in Sierra Leone, identifying gaps and opportunities.
  3. Determine how the Sierra Leonean Writers Series can serve as a template or partner for scientific publishing.
  4. Engage with diverse stakeholders to form a collaborative network supporting this initiative.
  5. Develop a clear, actionable plan for establishing and sustaining the national scientific publishing platform.

Who will attend? 
Key players from science, education, and research communities, alongside policy-makers, library practitioners, civil society representatives, tech hubs, IT professionals, and funders.  
Day 2 will include a multifaceted assembly, including university professors, Deans, Heads of Departments, independent researchers, government officials from education and science sectors, technology experts, representatives from the Sierra Leonean Writers Series, librarians, publishers, and international collaborators.

Expected Outcomes

  • Validated National Open Science Policy: A robust foundation for transparent and collaborative research practices. 
  • Comprehensive Reporting and Strategies: A roadmap that outlines recommendations and a clear strategy for implementing and using the national platform. 
  • Stakeholder Network: A committed network primed to support and promote the national platform in a sustained and collective effort.
  • Action Plan for Sustainability: A tangible plan for securing funding, resources, and technical infrastructure.


The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) generously funds this critical event.

Registration
Participants