Hundreds of academics, researchers and university leaders attend the Forum for Open Research in MENA at AUS

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) Library, in collaboration with the Forum for Open Research in MENA, hosted the 4th Annual Forum for Open Research in MENA (FORM25) from October 20 to 23, bringing together international experts, regional policymakers and higher education leaders to advance Open Science: a global movement promoting the open, transparent and accessible sharing of research. The initiative seeks to make scientific knowledge more collaborative and useful to society at large, while strengthening research connections across the Arab world.

Held under the patronage of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), the annual forum welcomed more than 800 participants in person and online, representing research institutions, universities and policy bodies from across the region. The hybrid event was also streamed through forumforopenresearch.com.

Photo caption: Kamran Robert Kardan is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Knowledge E

Taking place under the theme “Becoming Open: Building Capacities and Communities in the Arab World,” FORM25 explored strategies for strengthening open and collaborative research ecosystems in the Arab region. Discussions focused on open access, data transparency, responsible research assessment, open education and the ethical use of artificial intelligence in research. Sessions also examined the development of regional policies and infrastructures that support knowledge sharing and inclusive research practices.

“FORM is such a valuable opportunity to engage in important conversations about open access to knowledge,” said Kara Jones, University Librarian at AUS. “The event’s real impact lies in the networks and community connections it fosters. It has been a privilege to welcome hundreds of people, both online and in person, to our beautiful Sharjah campus in the spirit of open, transparent knowledge sharing. We extend our sincere gratitude to the FORM team for championing this important topic for the benefit of academics and universities across the region.”

A highlight of FORM25 was a series of keynote addresses and panel discussions led by global and regional experts in research policy, open access publishing and scholarly communication. The program provided a platform for participants to share institutional experiences, case studies and practical approaches for embedding Open Science principles within universities and research communities.

“This year's Annual Forum was a tremendous success, bringing together so many stakeholders from across our community (both in person and online), and providing an arena to discuss the key challenges and solutions facing the Arab world's research communities regarding the development and implementation of open science policies and practices. It was an honour and a pleasure to be able to collaborate with AUS on this year's event,” said Dr Emily Choynowski, Co-Founder and Director of FORM and Chief Academic Officer at Knowledge E.

Photo caption: Dr Emily Choynowski, Co-Founder and Director of FORM and Chief Academic Officer at Knowledge E

By convening leaders and practitioners committed to advancing Open Science, the Fourth Annual Forum for Open Research in MENA strengthened networks across academia, government and the private sector, contributing to a collective effort to make research in the Arab world more transparent, collaborative and globally connected.

Ranked among the top three universities in the UAE and in the top 18 percent globally (QS World University Rankings 2025), AUS has become a leading regional hub for research, innovation and open knowledge sharing. Through its rapidly expanding network of research centers and partnerships, the university continues to play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across the Middle East and beyond.

For more information about the event, visit forumforopenresearch.com, and for more information about FORUM, visit www.forumforopen.org.