Hosted by: NRF (South Africa) · MESTI (Ghana) · DOST (Philippines) · KACST (Saudi Arabia)

This side event will explore how research funders can accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating open science, systems thinking, and SDG-aligned impact metrics across the research cycle. Building on the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science, the session considers how its four pillars can be embedded in funding strategies to strengthen transparency and inclusivity. Participants will share practical experiences and co-develop recommendations and candidate metrics to guide funders in designing transparent, accountable, and collaborative programmes.

Hosted by: Science Europe · RRA Working Group

Research assessment sits at the heart of public research funding and strongly influences how research is conducted and valued. In recent years, responsible research assessment has gained global prominence, with growing leadership from the GRC, Science Europe, and international initiatives such as DORA and CoARA. This session brings together key partners to map the current landscape, identify opportunities for coordination, and explore how funders and the GRC can act as catalysts for coherent and sustainable research assessment reform.

Hosted by: KACST (Saudi Arabia) · NRF (South Africa) · IDRC (Canada) · NRCT (Thailand) · Global Young Academy

The side event promotes inclusive Open Science by aligning policy, practice, and people — integrating funders’ perspectives, diverse knowledge systems, and EMCR empowerment. It aims to provide practical, non-mandatory approaches for implementing Open Science, fostering co-creation with communities, recognising different knowledge systems, and equipping researchers with tools for open publishing and data sharing. Expected outcomes include a two-page “Action Menu” outlining adaptable practices and a concise session brief to guide uptake.

Hosted by: MLE-WG · MESTI (Ghana) · NRF (South Africa) · ANII (Uruguay) · IDRC (Canada) · RCN (Norway) · ANID (Chile) · TCST (Tanzania) · SNSF (Switzerland) · FONSTI (Côte d'Ivoire) · FORMAS (Sweden) · NSFC (China) · TÜBİTAK (Türkiye) · KNR (Kenya) · NWO (Netherlands)

The side event will review existing Multilateral Engagements (MLEs) across GRC regions and outline a roadmap for future cooperation. It draws on findings from a desk study and survey by the MLE Working Group, highlighting lessons learned, regional challenges, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration. Practical regional examples will show how coordinated efforts expand networks, foster inclusive participation, and transform national programmes into sustainable multilateral platforms.

Hosted by: Science Europe · TÜBİTAK (Türkiye) · MInT (Ethiopia) · FUNDECIT (Angola) · ANR (France) · BRIN (Indonesia) · NRF (South Africa) · NSERC (Canada) · RCN (Norway) · TSRI (Thailand)

This side event will examine how Diamond Open Access, a community-driven scholarly publishing model, can advance inclusive and equitable open science for sustainable development. By removing financial barriers for readers and authors, Diamond OA strengthens research sovereignty, supports locally governed editorial practices, promotes multilingual dissemination, and increases the visibility of context-specific research. The discussion builds on growing global momentum around Diamond OA, aligned with the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science and the 2022 Action Plan for Diamond OA.

Hosted by: UKRI (UK) · ARC (Australia) · SSHRC (Canada) · NCRST (Namibia) · RCN (Norway) · JST (Japan) · NRF (South Africa)

This side event explores how funders can improve the quality and impact of research investment by using metascience to generate better evidence for decision-making. Senior leaders from four GRC regions will share insights from national experiments and reforms aimed at strengthening funding processes and supporting high-risk, high-reward research. A global overview of metascience trends will feed into a panel discussion on what works — and what still needs testing — to enhance R&D systems.