Open Science for Development: MSU Representatives Deepen Knowledge at the University of Ljubljana

The value of science lies in its service to humanity in the name of progress and development. It will also play a crucial role in Ukraine’s post-war recovery and its representation on the global stage. Bearing this in mind, national institutions have united to implement the Erasmus+ project «Open Science for the Higher Education System of Ukraine» (Open4UA), aimed at introducing reforms in scientific activity.

As a member of the project consortium, the Mariupol State University (MSU) team visited the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia) from June 2 to 6. Among the participants, enriching their expertise, are Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Law Svitlana Kalinina, Head of the Department of Philosophy and Sociology Tetiana Ivanets, and representatives of the Center for International Education Director Iryna Sikorska and Leading Specialist Danylo Yehorenko.

Open science is a pathway to integration into the global realm of ideas, a chance to showcase our achievements and unique approaches to conducting research. Moreover, the multi-vector nature of research collaboration promotes an interdisciplinary format of scientific development focused on economic growth, something especially critical for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction, says Professor Svitlana Kalinina, MSU.

During this visit, partners from Ukraine, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Belgium discussed national approaches to implementing open science, shaping university-level policies, managing research data, and practices for research evaluation. The working format included training sessions, workshops, group discussions, and achievement presentations, including key legislative changes being prepared by Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science.

One of the significant outcomes of the collaboration was the creation of a roadmap for the practical implementation of open science principles in universities.

Open science is less about new ways of managing research outcomes and more about shifts in our scientific culture and worldview. That’s why it’s crucial to promote the values of open science, especially among young researchers and future PhDs, to create a network of scholars who will adopt and actively advance these values at every level, from the university to the international stage. But this can only be effective if all participants in the educational process are genuinely interested and actively engaged, says Associate Professor Tetiana Ivanets, MSU.