OSCaribbean launched: an initiative to promote open science in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean
SANTO DOMINGO. – With the goal of strengthening Open Science in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean region, the Open Science Caribbean (OSCaribbean) Foundation was launched. This initiative was conceived as part of the commitment of a group of professionals, academics, and scientists from various universities to the promotion, training, and development of open science through the integration, organization, and dissemination of high-impact scientific information.
OS Caribbean is positioned as a relevant player in the region, committed to scientific advancement and international collaboration, as well as strengthening joint initiatives among the countries in the region.
The foundation was founded with the mission of being a fundamental pillar in the promotion and dissemination of open access scientific knowledge through information and communications technologies (ICT), training programs, and the management of innovative projects that foster the construction of a research culture in the Caribbean region.
The vision of its members is to impact the entire Dominican Republic and the Caribbean region through Open Science, opening new scenarios for international collaboration to strengthen global science.
During the launching activity, held at the Social Security Auditorium (OSES) of the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC), Julio Sánchez Maríñez, rector of that university, offered a welcoming address in which he highlighted the importance of initiatives like OSCaribbean in promoting the democratization of knowledge in the region.
Dr. Berniza Calderón, Vice President of OS Caribbean, was responsible for introducing the foundation's members. The team is chaired by Manuel Madé, PhD in Logic and Philosophy of Science, with extensive experience in digital transformation, bibliometrics, and data analysis; Calderón, as Vice President, contributes his expertise in medicine, endocrinology, and research management; and Dr. Elsi Jiménez, a specialist in education, information management, and library science, serves as General Secretary.
In the project area, the organization relies on the experience of Chantal Valdez, a project manager with a background in business management and strategy development. Additionally, Dr. Manuel Soto, project director, specializes in digital health, data analysis, and open source software.
The finance team is led by Sergio Castillo, an expert in strategic planning and financial resource management. In the area of innovation, Dr. Alba Beltre contributes her expertise in health policy and research management.
For technological development, OSCaribbean relies on Víctor Brito, a full-stack developer with experience in process automation and scalable systems. Finally, the inter-institutional relations area is led by Heidi Sánchez, a specialist in intellectual property, innovation, and technology transfer.
A clear vision for the future
Manuel Madé, president of OSCaribbean, offered a detailed presentation on the state of science in the Insular Caribbean, highlighting the challenges and opportunities the region faces in consolidating a more accessible, inclusive, and collaborative research ecosystem.
The event concluded with remarks from INTEC's Vice-Rector for Research and Outreach, Rosario Aróstegui, who reaffirmed the university's commitment to Open Science and encouraged those present to join this initiative.