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.

Hosted by: MLE Working Group · 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.

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

This side event explores how metascience — the scientific study of science itself — can inform smarter, more impactful research funding strategies. Drawing on global perspectives, participants will examine evidence-based approaches to funding allocation, research evaluation, and science policy, fostering cross-agency learning and innovation in research governance.

Hosted by: EDI Working Group · TWAS/OWSD (The Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World)

This session will explore how research systems can become more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to local contexts. It will present initial findings from an EDI Working Group survey of GRC participants on inclusive and equitable open science. In collaboration with UNESCO and OWSD, the session will share a pilot study establishing gender-sensitive National Committees in three countries to support women in STEM.

Hosted by: NRF (South Africa) · DFG (Germany) · INSF (Iran)

Hosted by the DFG, INSF and NRF SA, and in preparation for the GRC 2027 Annual Meeting, this side event provides a platform to explore the global relevance and value of curiosity-driven research (CDR). While research systems worldwide face increasing pressure to demonstrate short-term societal impact, long-term scientific progress depends fundamentally on sustained investment in curiosity-driven inquiry. Participants will collectively reflect on how CDR can be strengthened globally and how the GRC community can contribute to fostering robust, resilient, and innovative research ecosystems worldwide.