By Seedy Jobe
The government on Monday formally opened a national symposium on open science, an initiative officials say is central to improving research capacity and fostering innovation.
The event, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center, was convened by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology and brought together policymakers, academics, researchers, librarians, information technology specialists, and international partners.
Speaking at the opening, Pierre Gomez, the minister of higher education, research, science, and technology, said the symposium was intended to lay the groundwork for a coordinated national approach to open science, a framework that promotes the sharing and accessibility of research outputs.
The ministry said the discussions are expected to inform policies that would strengthen research systems and improve the visibility of locally generated knowledge.
Professor Gomez pointed to recent progress in digital infrastructure, citing the connection of the Gambia Research and Education Network to the West and Central African Research and Education Network backbone. He described the development as a milestone that would deepen the country’s integration into regional and global knowledge networks.
But he cautioned that connectivity alone would not be sufficient.
“While connectivity is critical, it must be complemented by strong national coordination, effective policies, and sustainable systems,” he said, adding that such measures are necessary to translate access into meaningful opportunities for researchers and institutions.
He also referenced the UNESCO 2021 Recommendation on Open Science, calling for the development of national frameworks, investment in research infrastructure, and greater accessibility of scientific knowledge.
In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to advancing open science, describing it as a key pillar of national development aimed at improving research quality, encouraging innovation, and ensuring that knowledge contributes to broader societal progress.
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