Brussels, 11 Nov 2002
The pros and cons of initiatives from public and private structures to increase electronic open access to scientific research results through digital means are to be discussed at a two-day seminar in Paris on 23 and 24 January.
While the international scientific community is putting pressure on publishers to provide open access to the information, and develop innovative projects for making digital information freely available, particularly in developing countries, public research institutions are particularly concerned about cost issues. They pay their researchers, they pay for research, they pay for the time in writing for publication, and in the end they have to pay to get access to their researchers' publications.
In this context, the term 'open access' covers all developments affecting the access to scientific and technical information, including their technical, organisational, economic, legal and political aspects.
The event is organised by the Institute for Scientific and Technical Information of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS-INIST), the French Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) and the International Council for Scientific and Technical Information (ICSTI), supported by the International Council for Science (ICSU). It will bring together international experts from the public and private sectors.
The intention is to provide information and planning data for the sponsoring bodies as well as input to the ITU/UNESCO activities surrounding the World Summit on the information society.
Further information: http://www.inist.fr/openaccess
E-mail: openaccess@inist.fr