In a groundbreaking initiative, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) has positioned itself at the forefront of the global Open Science movement. Embracing a commitment to transparency, collaboration and innovation, UNIMAS aims to revolutionise scientific research and education in Malaysia and beyond.
Open Science, a paradigm that promotes accessibility and sharing of research outputs, has been gaining momentum worldwide. Recognising the potential to enhance scientific discovery and societal impact, UNIMAS has taken bold steps to implement Open Science practices across its diverse academic disciplines.
Professor Ahmad Hata bin Rasit, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIMAS, highlighted the university’s vision. “At UNIMAS, we believe that knowledge should be freely available to everyone. By adopting Open Science, we are fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation that will benefit not only our researchers but also the global scientific community and society at large.”
Open Science facilitates seamless collaboration among researchers, both within UNIMAS and with international partners. This collaborative approach is accelerated by UNIMAS’s participation in the OPEN ASIA project. Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, the project is designed to promote and implement Open Science practices across Asia while simultaneously adopting from leading institutions in Europe such as Finland, the Netherlands and Slovenia. On the domestic front, UNIMAS researchers are working closely with Universti Malaya and Universiti Malaysia Sabah to establish an Open Science framework and platform that are aligned with Malaysia Open Science Platform.
UNIMAS has already made significant strides in its Open Science journey. Some of its key initiatives include developing an Open Access Repository where researchers can freely share their publications, datasets, and other research outputs. The university also offers training programmes and workshops to equip researchers and students with the skills needed to engage in Open Science practices.
UNIMAS’s commitment to Open Science is a testament to its dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation. As the university continues to lead by example, it hopes to inspire other institutions in Malaysia and around the world to embrace Open Science.
“We are excited about the future of Open Science at UNIMAS,” said Professor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit. “By breaking down barriers and opening up our research, we are not only advancing science but also contributing to the betterment of society.” Through collaboration, transparency, and innovation, the university is poised to make lasting contributions to the scientific community and beyond.
The implementation of the Open Science project in Sarawak is led by Professor Dr Lo May Chiun, along with co-researchers Professor Dr Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim, Associate Professor Dr Abang Azlan Mohamad, Professor Dr Rossazana Bt Ab Rahim, Associate Professor Ir Dr Mah Yau Seng, Professor Dr Voon Boo Ho (Universiti Teknologi Mara cawangan Sarawak), Associate Professor Dr Winnie Wong Poh Ming (Universiti Teknologi Sarawak), and Professor T. Ramayah (Universiti Sains Malaysia).