The fundamental objective of this project is to create the INAECU-CA Observatory, aimed at generating knowledge and actions that will contribute to advancing a more sustainable and inclusive society. The project focuses on generating and integrating knowledge across three interrelated themes:
a) the implementation of Open Science (OS) in universities and its potential as a new model for conducting scientific work, which can more effectively address social issues and challenges;
b) the involvement of citizens in university research projects;
c) the development of Open Science and Citizen Science initiatives to address some of the goals and targets outlined in the 2030 Agenda, such as the sustainability of cities (SDG 11) and gender equality (SDG 5).
These themes align with the lines of action in the National Open Science Strategy (2023-2027), which is based on the commitments to Open Science made by various stakeholders in the system, as outlined in Law 17/2022, LOSU, the Spanish Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation (EECTI) 2021-2027, and PEICTI 2021-2023 (ENCA, 2023-2027: 5).
This project is part of Modality B, which is focused on the thematic priority "culture, creativity, and inclusive society," due to the importance and potential of Open Science and Citizen Science in addressing the major social challenges society faces, as laid out in the 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To advance these goals, as demonstrated during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that political decisions, as well as those made by citizens, quickly integrate scientific knowledge.
However, the current scientific model has significant limitations in terms of the scope and real connection between research and the urgent problems faced by society. In many cases, citizens are not considered when studying the issues that directly affect them or in the search for adequate solutions, which can lead to a certain mistrust of scientific knowledge in some sectors of society. Therefore, it is essential to deepen the understanding and application of Open Science and Citizen Science to move toward a society that can tackle major challenges and be more inclusive.
