Blog post by Deborah De Angelis
On 10 June 2026, the conference “Open Science through the Prism of the European Research Area (ERA) Act: The Work Still to Be Done” took place at the Central Library of the National Research Council (CNR) in Rome. The event provided an important opportunity for discussion, bringing together policymakers, scholars, legal experts, researchers, institutional representatives, and professionals to address a key issue for the future of European research.
Institutional Voices Set the Tone & Political Commitment for Open Science and SPR
The conference opened with institutional remarks by Professor Andrea Lenzi, President of the CNR, who recognised the need for Open Science and highlighted the CNR’s ongoing efforts and progress in this direction. Senator Andrea Crisanti and MP Valentina Grippo both emphasised in their opening speeches the central role of Open Science principles in strengthening research and knowledge systems, while reaffirming their commitment to promoting these principles within their respective spheres of responsibility. MP Grippo, Vice-President of the Committee on Culture, Science and Education, announced the filing on 13 May 2026, of a bill in parliament to introduce a secondary publication right. The opening session concluded with an introductory address by Professor Maria Chiara Pievatolo, President of AISA, the Italian Association for the Promotion of Open Science.
Two Sessions, Many Perspectives: The Fifth Freedom and the Open Science Ecosystem
Throughout the day, a series of high-level scientific and institutional contributions addressed the numerous challenges involved in implementing Open Science principles within the framework of the upcoming ERA Act. Speakers of the first session focusing on the fifth freedom were Ginevra Peruginelli, Deborah De Angelis, Gina Pavone, Davide Borrelli, and Elena Giglia. The second session exploring the Open Science ecosystem benefited from the expertise of Giovanni De Simone, Sara Di Marcello, Lucilla Gatt, Ilaria Caggiano, and Claudio Aspesi. These distinguished panellists offered complementary perspectives and fostered a rich, stimulating discussion. Particular significance was attached to the recommendations presented by Stefano Bianco and the concluding remarks delivered by Professor Giuseppe Corasaniti, which helped outline potential directions for future national and European policies in this field.
Special thanks go to the moderators of the two sessions, Donatella Castelli and Sebastiano Faro, as well as to Antonio Felice Uricchio, former President of ANVUR, the Italian National Agency for the Evaluation of the University and Research Systems, for their valuable contributions to this important moment of exchange.
The Result of a Collective Effort: A Strong Turnout & A Shared Commitment
The event benefited from the patronage of the Italian Ministry of University and Research, Knowledge Rights 21, and the Rome Bar Association. It was also made possible by the support of Open Science @ CNR and AISA, as well as collaboration with ReCePL, IGSG-CNR, ISTI-CNR, NEP, Creative Commons Italia, and CLAKP.
With more than 150 participants attending both in person and online, the conference demonstrated the strong and continuing interest in Open Science across the scientific, academic, and professional communities. The event represented a highly meaningful opportunity for dialogue, helping to strengthen cooperation among institutions, researchers, and civil society, while once again highlighting the urgency of making Open Science an increasingly concrete pillar of knowledge policies.
The high level of participation, the quality of the contributions, and the lively debate confirmed the success of the initiative and underscored the need for collaboration to ensure the full implementation of Open Science principles within both the Italian and European research systems. As a core outcome of the conference, a set of formal policy recommendations will be drafted.
Impressions From the Event
16 June 2026
