Rapport pour une science ouverte réaliste, équilibrée et respectueuse de la liberté académique

Abstract

Over the past 30 years, the digital revolution has revolutionised the way in which scientific publications are disseminated, which for a long time was based on the publication of articles in specialised journals, with readers purchasing or subscribing to them. In this context, the 'open science' project promotes the ideal of wide, immediate and free dissemination of publications and, more recently, research data. A constellation of private and public initiatives has emerged since the 1990s and is accelerating this movement, using a variety of tools: open archives, preprints, epirevues, dissemination platforms, public libraries, etc. The results are undeniable, and research is proving to be increasingly accessible. But these developments are undermining the economic models of scientific publishing and the position of publishers, raising questions about respect for pluralism, academic freedom and the copyright of researchers. Open science is therefore more of a militant slogan than a way of organising access to scientific research. Its opportunities, but also its risks, need to be carefully weighed up. It should not be introduced in any old way, or at any price, as it could undermine the diversity of publishing, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. The report therefore puts forward eight proposals for an open science and scientific publishing policy that is realistic, balanced and respectful of academic freedom, because it is first and foremost by respecting the autonomy of scientists that we defend science. The diversity of situations in different disciplines must be taken into account.