The third Annual Forum for Open Research (FORM) in MENA was recently hosted by Qatar National Library (QNL) in partnership with the Knowledge E Foundation. The event brought together leading researchers, policymakers, and innovators from the Middle East and North Africa to discuss and promote open research practices in the region. Launched in 2022 by the Knowledge E Foundation as a non-profit initiative, FORM aims to support research communities and stakeholder groups in moving towards a more open world.
The theme of this year’s FORM was “Transforming Knowledge into Action,” with a focus on exploring the latest trends and opportunities in open research to help facilitate a global shift towards more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive research models. H E Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Minister of State and President of QNL, highlighted the importance of advancing open research and fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge exchange. He emphasized QNL’s dedication to supporting open science ecosystems in Qatar and the wider region.
Dr. al Kawari stated, “Open access is one of our core values,” emphasizing the Library’s commitment to promoting open research practices. Tan Huism, QNL’s Executive Director, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the Library’s efforts to support and facilitate research. Initiatives such as the Manara – Qatar Research Repository and the Open Access Fund were mentioned as examples of QNL’s commitment to promoting open access and increasing the impact and visibility of published works.
The FORM event provided a platform for attendees to discuss the importance of open research in driving innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. It also served as a reminder of the critical role that libraries, research institutions, and policymakers play in supporting and advancing open research practices. The event highlighted the need for continued efforts to promote open access and ensure that research findings are widely accessible and impactful.
Overall, the third Annual Forum for Open Research (FORM) in MENA held by Qatar National Library (QNL) and the Knowledge E Foundation was a successful gathering of researchers, policymakers, and innovators working towards advancing open research practices in the Middle East and North Africa region. The event emphasized the importance of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and open access in driving innovation and supporting sustainable research models. QNL’s commitment to promoting open research practices was highlighted, and the Library’s initiatives to support open access and research were showcased as examples of its dedication to fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
