In an era where research and science are evolving at an unprecedented pace, the Open Science movement stands at the forefront, championing innovation, transparency, and inclusivity. On the occasion of Open Access Week 2023, we had the opportunity to interview Brian Nosel, a distinguished figure in the world of Open Science. As the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Open Science (COS), he’s leading an organization that is revolutionizing how research is conducted and shared globally. Operating the Open Science Framework (OSF), COS has become a driving force behind the adoption of open and reproducible research practices worldwide. But Brian’s influence doesn’t stop there. He’s also a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Virginia, where he combines his expertise with his passion for transforming the research landscape. With a Ph.D. from Yale University, awarded in 2002, Brian Nosek brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and vision to the table. Watch the interview now, as Brian unveils the COS approach, a blueprint for enhancing research practices and explores a future where research knows no bounds.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) have become increasingly crucial priorities within the scholarly publishing industry. As the gatekeepers of knowledge and research dissemination, scholarly communication platforms have a responsibility to ensure equitable access and representation. Historically, the scholarly landscape has been shaped by dominant narratives and voices, often excluding marginalized communities and perspectives. However, a paradigm shift is underway, with leading organizations and individuals recognizing the imperative to foster a more inclusive and accessible scholarly ecosystem. In this insightful podcast on “Research and Beyond”, we sit down with Damita Snow, an esteemed champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the scholarly publishing industry. As the Director of Accessibility and DEI Strategy for the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) publications and standards, she has been a pioneering force, opening doors for underrepresented groups and setting industry benchmarks for inclusive policies and processes. Through this candid conversation, we delve into Damita’s inspiring journey, from her humble beginnings as a graphic designer at ASCE to her current role as a visionary leader spearheading transformative change. We explore how her diverse experiences and lifelong passion for social justice have shaped her approach to DEI strategizing, particularly within the realm of scholarly communications. Damita offers valuable guidance for other organizations seeking to embrace DEI strategies, emphasizing the significance of assessment, goal-setting, and the utilization of DEIA maturity models and toolkits. Her personal lessons on the challenges and triumphs of this transformative work provide a roadmap for those aspiring to make a positive impact in the scholarly publishing domain. By embracing DEIA strategies, the scholarly publishing domain can amplify diverse voices, dismantle systemic barriers, and ultimately, advance the pursuit of knowledge in a manner that reflects the global diversity of researchers, authors, and readers. As we navigate the evolving landscape of scholarly communications, this episode serves as a powerful call to action, inspiring professionals to join the collective effort in building a more equitable, inclusive, and accessible future for all. Damita’s unwavering passion and commitment to systemic change serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us that every small step can lead to meaningful and lasting impact.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping every industry, including healthcare. But as these transformative technologies advance, critical questions arise around equity, ethics, and accessibility. Who is developing these AI systems, and whose perspectives and life experiences are being centered? Whose data is being used to train the models, and whose needs are being prioritized or overlooked? Without diversity across the AI lifecycle, from conception to deployment, these powerful technologies run the risk of baking in historical biases and perpetuating harmful disparities. This International Women’s Day, with the theme “Invest in Women” we had a conversation with Chhavi Chauhan, a leader at the Women in AI Ethics collective and was recently honored as a Top 100 Woman of the Future in Emergent Tech. She brings a refreshingly holistic view, anchored in her background spanning molecular biology, biotech, healthcare, and a deep passion for increasing diversity and ensuring ethical approaches in emergent technologies. During our candid conversation, Chhavi shares eye-opening examples of how historical biases in data have led to discriminatory products. She also paints a vision for how AI can help democratize processes and bridge disparities — when developed responsibly and with diverse voices at the table from the start. Tune in to hear it from Chhavi herself, one of the most thought-provoking and insightful voices at the forefront of AI ethics. You'll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the power and peril of this transformative technology — and the catalyzing role women like Chhavi play in shepherding its responsible development.