The project aims to enhance awareness and integrate OS and CS practices in Southeastern European countries, including Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Croatia, Italy, and Serbia. Currently, OS and CS activities in these regions are limited. The project focused on monitoring OS and CS implementation, sharing best practices that follow FAIR principles, and engaging the public in scientific collaboration. Key goals included: - Highlighting challenges and cultural diversity in Southeastern Europe. - Empowering academic libraries as knowledge hubs by upskilling staff in OS and CS. - Piloting Citizen-enhanced Open Science (CeOS) practices in libraries to foster inclusivity and external collaborations. The project was coordinated by LIBER, which emphasizes OS in its strategy. A strong focus was placed on connecting with the European Open Science Cloud to promote cultural change, sustainability, and inclusivity. Selected Target Groups: - Library staff: Professional development in OS and CS skills. - Academic staff at higher education institutions: increased awareness and support for CS projects. - Citizens: Engagement in OS and CS to strengthen ties between academia and society.
The European Union promotes accountability, transparency, and sustainability in addressing global challenges. Citizen Science (CS) is a vital part of Open Science (OS) and has engaged millions of volunteers. However, a disconnect between CS and OS limits the accessibility and impact of CS data. Bridging this gap could enhance initiatives like the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) to tackle global issues, including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Research libraries are essential in connecting science and society, supporting CS initiatives, and fostering open knowledge. Unfortunately, South-eastern Europe (SE) lags in OS and CS integration due to limited funding, language barriers, and insufficient professional skills, along with minimal engagement with broader European networks. To strengthen the OS culture in SE Europe, efforts should focus on: - Training professionals in OS and CS. - Encouraging library directors to connect with the European library community. The proposed project aims to promote Citizen-Enhanced Open Science by using higher education institution (HEI) libraries, in collaboration with public libraries, as hubs for open knowledge and innovation in SE Europe.