The Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), Professor Pierre Gomez, today officially opened the LIBSENSE Open Science Symposium in The Gambia.
The symposium brings together key stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, researchers, librarians, ICT experts, and international partners, to advance discussions on Open Science and its role in strengthening research and innovation in the country.
In his opening address, the Minister highlighted the recent connection of the Gambia Research and Education Network (GAMREN) to the West and Central African Research and Education Network backbone as a significant milestone for the nation’s research and education sector. He noted that this development enhances The Gambia’s integration into regional and global knowledge networks.
The Minister emphasised that while connectivity is critical, it must be complemented by strong national coordination, effective policies, and sustainable systems to ensure that access translates into tangible opportunities for researchers and institutions.
Referencing the UNESCO 2021 Recommendation on Open Science, he underscored the importance of establishing national frameworks, investing in research infrastructure, and improving the visibility and accessibility of locally generated knowledge.
The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to promoting Open Science as a key pillar of national development, aimed at enhancing research quality, fostering innovation, and ensuring that knowledge contributes meaningfully to society.
The LIBSENSE Open Science Symposium is expected to inform the development of a coordinated national approach to Open Science in The Gambia.
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