Can Science Remain Open in an Authoritarian World?

For over a decade, open science has been a promise that sharing research, methods, data, and teamwork across borders solves humanity's greatest challenges. But today, in times of growing nationalism, security concerns and authoritarianism, we stand at a crossroads. And the stakes have never been higher — not just for science, but for society itself. 

What's at Stake for Society?

Open science is not merely an academic ideal — it is the infrastructure of collective problem-solving and the engine of scientific progress itself. Virtually every breakthrough today builds on openly shared findings, methods, and data, thus the free flow of knowledge across borders and institutions. Transparency and reproducibility, upheld through open access to methods and data, are the foundation of scientific integrity and public trust. If we retreat from openness, we risk a return to opaque, unverifiable research 

Multiple Pressures to close

Yet the pressures to close are mounting from multiple directions. Geopolitical tensions fracture international partnerships. Governments invoke research security and technological sovereignty, restricting knowledge flows in the name of dual-use concerns. The most powerful AI systems reshaping science today were built on openly shared research — yet they are closed and proprietary, and are now being used to flood the research ecosystem with content of questionable quality.

How Do We Preserve Openness in a Closing World?

Yet is the choice really between fully open and fully closed? Or can we design frameworks that balance transparency with legitimate security concerns, ensure AI systems trained on open data contribute back, and protect international collaboration while addressing dual-use risks? Join us for a critical dialogue together with experts on international cooperation and Open Science and contribute your insights and experiences.