By Haddy Touray
The Gambian government on Monday formally opened a national symposium on open science, describing the initiative as central to strengthening research capacity and fostering innovation.
The event, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, was organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology. It brought together policymakers, academics, researchers, librarians, information technology specialists and international partners.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Pierre Gomez, said the symposium aims to lay the foundation for a coordinated national approach to open science, which promotes the sharing and accessibility of research outputs.
He said the discussions are expected to inform policies that will strengthen national research systems and enhance the visibility of locally generated knowledge.
The minister highlighted recent progress in digital infrastructure, notably the connection of the Gambia Research and Education Network to the West and Central African Research and Education Network backbone, describing it as a major milestone for the country’s integration into regional and global knowledge networks.
However, he cautioned that connectivity alone is not sufficient.
“While connectivity is critical, it must be complemented by strong national coordination, effective policies and sustainable systems,” he said, noting that such measures are essential to translate access into meaningful opportunities for researchers and institutions.
He also referred to the UNESCO 2021 Recommendation on Open Science, calling for the development of national frameworks, increased investment in research infrastructure and improved access to scientific knowledge.
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.