Arab States Research and Education Network (ASREN), Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa), and PLOS launch open science initiative for North Africa

Amman, Jordan

Nairobi, Kenya

San Francisco, United States 

27 February 2025

On February 26th, 2025, the Arab States Research and Education Network (ASREN), Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa), and Public Library of Science (PLOS) hosted a dynamic virtual webinar to officially launch their strategic partnership aimed at promoting and strengthening open science principles and practices across North Africa. 

This collaboration brings together ASREN’s regional network infrastructure, TCC Africa’s expertise in research capacity building, and PLOS’ global leadership in open access and open science to enhance research visibility, accessibility, and scientific collaboration in the region. The webinar, attended by over 100 participants, served as a platform for meaningful discussions on advancing open science initiatives and fostering a more inclusive and globally connected research ecosystem. A highlight of the event was an interactive session where participants shared challenges, explored opportunities, and proposed potential areas for collaboration to strengthen open science efforts in the region. The partnership was officially launched by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the three organizations, formalizing their commitment to driving change and promoting open science among researchers, policymakers, and institutions.

The initiative will focus on developing comprehensive, locally driven open science frameworks through capacity building, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. A key element of the partnership is the national open science dialogues, bringing together institutional leaders, policymakers, and representatives from universities and research institutions. These dialogues will be instrumental in shaping the future of open science in their respective countries across North Africa.

“ We are here not only to promote and educate but also to implement Open Science mechanisms, ensuring that Open Science is accessible and that the community can fully embrace an Open Science culture. Our partnership is a key part of this commitment. We are proud of this engagement as it allows us to work together not only to bring North Africa into the conversation but to unite the entire African continent.” Prof Yousef Torman Managing Director ASREN.

“PLOS has been collaborating with TCC Africa since 2021 to support and advance Open Science in Africa. Our partnerships with local stakeholders are core to this programme of work, ensuring a regional and national focus that reflects and addresses local challenges and barriers to Open Science adoption. Our latest partnership with ASREN continues this approach, fostering strategic collaborations and sustained engagement with key local actors. We are delighted to work with ASREN to progress our engagement with North African Open Science stakeholders and communities.” Roheena Anand Executive Director Global Publishing & Sales  PLOS.

“This is such a great milestone for us as partners, we are targeting a region that has been advancing efforts in Open Access and has been keen on increasing their advocacy on Open Science more broadly,” Joy Owango Executive Director Training Centre in Communication.

The collaboration will address critical areas in North Africa: 

– Increased awareness and adoption of open science policies 

– Strengthened collaboration and stakeholder engagement

– Promoting open science policies at institutional and national levels

– Enhancing capacity for open access publishing

– Improved understanding of local knowledge and networks

The initiative builds on existing momentum in the region, where countries like Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya have already begun implementing open science initiatives. The partnership will work closely with key regional bodies, including the Association of Arab Universities and the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils (FASRC).

Please access the event recording here: https://tccafrica.pubpub.org/pub/8rg6mvve/release/1

About ASREN:

Arab States Research and Education Network (ASREN) is the association of the Arab region National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), as well as their strategic partners, that aims to implement, manage and extend sustainable Pan-Arab e-Infrastructures dedicated for the Research and Education communities and to boost scientific research and cooperation in member countries through the provision of world-class e-infrastructures and e-services.

The goal is to connect Arab institutions among themselves and to the globe through high-speed data-communications networks.

For more information, visit: https://asren.net/   

About PLOS

PLOS is a non-profit organization on a mission to drive open science forward with measurable, meaningful change in research publishing, policy, and practice. We believe in a better future where science is open to all, for all.

For more information, visit: https://plos.org/  

About TCC Africa

The Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa), is the first African-based training center to teach effective communication skills to scientists. TCC Africa is an award-winning Trust, established as a non-profit entity in 2006 and is registered in Kenya. TCC Africa provides capacity support in improving researchers’ output and visibility through capacity strengthening in scholarly and science communication. Over the last 15 years, TCC Africa has supported over 30,500 researchers in their research lifecycle. TCC Africa supports research institutes in various professional capacities that will help them improve their research output and increase their visibility. This is through professional services with support from our global partners.

For more information, visit: https://www.tcc-africa.org/ 

We welcome stakeholders and researchers to be part of this advocacy effort. For more information about this initiative please contact:

Public Relations Team 

Training Centre in Communication, 

Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Nairobi,

Email: pr@tcc-africa.org, info@tcc-africa.org

Nisreen Al Kouz

Arab States Research and Education Network (ASREN),

Communications & Administration Officer
Email: nisreen.alkouz@asren.net

David Knutson

Public Library of Science (PLOS)

Head of Communications at PLOS 

1-651-260-8288

Email: dknutson@plos.org