Open dialogues – What does it take to do EO Open Science in ESA?
- Post by: Anca Anghelea
- November 16, 2023
Open Science principles have been embedded in the ESA Earth Observation programmes since over a decade. Now they are taking a clearer shape as ESA engages more strongly in FAIR Open practices for geospatial. The Science Hub hosted a cross-department workshop to poll ideas for implementation.
In a new forward-thinking initiative, the ESA recently played host to a dynamic workshop at the Science Hub. The aim? To ignite a collective spark among young ESA scientists and engineers across various departments, all rallying behind the banner of Open Science and Digital Innovation.
Picture this: a room filled with eager minds, an informal setup, and the aroma of a working lunch setting the stage for productive conversations. The mission? To brainstorm internally on how ESA can seamlessly integrate Open Science principles into its programs, enabled by Digital Innovation elements.
The workshop was a melting pot of ideas, a platform where ESA scientists and engineers could share their insights, challenges, and visions for an open, collaborative approach to Earth Observation. As the discussions unfolded, the group delved into the heart of the matter, tackling questions around quality in openness, licensing aspects and exploring how digital innovation can serve as the driving force behind these endeavors.
The dialogue furthermore touched upon the very fabric of open innovation, examining the changes needed to create a robust support system for this transformative approach.
Why is such a workshop necessary, you ask? Well, it’s about more than just charting the course for Open Science within ESA. These gatherings serve also a chance for professionals to collectively escape their routine and embark on a journey of collaborative thinking. And what better place to host this than the Science Hub, a space where new ideas are nurtured, where collective imagination is sparked, and where the agency can position itself at the forefront of innovation.