Open science in the context of transdisciplinary research

Open science refers to “a new approach to promoting innovation through knowledge creation in science and technology” [1]. The G8 Summit in June 2013 triggered the spread of the concept of open science, which includes open access to scientific literature and the citation of open data presented in data journals.
The concept of open science should be applied to all fields of sciences, including fieldwork-based sciences such as cultural anthropology and forest ecology, rather than laboratory-based “big data” sciences (e.g., complex systems research). It is noteworthy that recent field science projects reflect the gradual transformation from individual discipline-oriented approaches to collaborative, integrative, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary ones. Moreover, “transdisciplinary” approaches are also being applied; accordingly, societal stakeholders such as governments, business industries, non-profit organizations, and local residents are involved in issue-driven research projects through a process of “co-designing research agendas, co-producing knowledge, and co-disseminating perspectives, evidence, and knowledge” [2].
It seems that the concepts of open science and transdisciplinary research are heading in the same direction toward sharing data sources and research outcomes with researchers and stakeholders for decision-making that transforms societies. In this talk, I will present how transdisciplinary approaches benefit both science and societies when promoted by open science; additionally, I will provide a review of my experience in data policy development for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary projects in global environmental research at the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature.