Data policies for times of crisis facilitated by open science
These documents are part of the UNESCO Open Science Toolkit, designed to support the implementation of the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science. They were developed through a consultative process led by the UNESCO-CODATA Working Group on Data Policies in Times of Crisis Facilitated by Open Science. While the documents provide general guidance for developing data policies in times of crisis facilitated by open science, it recognises that such policies should be responsive and adaptable to the unique needs of each crisis and the local context, ensuring relevance, effectiveness, and reliability in crisis response efforts.
To achieve maximum impact, data policies for times of crisis must address not only immediate response needs but also preparedness and long-term recovery. They need to:
- Establish clear objectives, roles, and responsibilities.
- Ensure availability of and access to adequate resources.
- Uphold ethical standards and protect human rights.
- Develop data governance and management protocols in open science frameworks.
- Facilitate open data collection and accessibility.
- Strengthen open data infrastructure for data sharing and storage