Open Asia

Fourth Online Consortium Meeting

11th March, 2026

The ERASMUS+ OPEN-ASIA Project held an online consortium meeting on Wednesday, 11th March 2026, bringing together representatives from partner institutions to review project progress, discuss ongoing activities, and plan the next steps towards achieving the project’s objectives.

The meeting focused on the progress of key work packages, including Open Science infrastructure development, curriculum development, institutional policy formulation, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination of project outcomes.

Key Discussion Points

Open Science Country Profiles and Needs Analysis

The consortium reviewed the status of the Open Science Country Profiles for India and Malaysia, along with the Needs Analysis report. Partners discussed the completion of pending deliverables and the importance of documenting the development and impact of Open Science initiatives across participating institutions.

Open Science Infrastructure and Curriculum Development

The meeting highlighted progress in developing institutional Open Science infrastructure, including infrastructure planning, equipment procurement, and the establishment of Open Science facilities. Partners also discussed the development and implementation of formal and informal Open Science courses to strengthen awareness and promote Open Science practices.

Institutional Open Science Policies and Stakeholder Engagement

Discussions covered the development of institutional Open Science policies for partner institutions in India and Malaysia, supported by the exchange of relevant policy documents and best practices. The consortium also emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement workshops and additional dissemination activities to encourage wider adoption of Open Science principles.

Upcoming Consortium Meeting and Concluding Conference

The consortium reviewed preparations for the upcoming events in Sarawak, Malaysia, hosted by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). The consortium meeting is scheduled for 19–20 October 2026, followed by the Open Science Forum and concluding conference on 21–22 October 2026. The events will provide opportunities to review project progress, exchange experiences, and showcase Open Science initiatives.

The meeting also discussed plans for the concluding conference in India, proposed for September 2027, subject to the relevant project approvals.

Moving Forward

The meeting reaffirmed the consortium’s commitment to strengthening Open Science infrastructure, advancing curriculum development, promoting institutional policy development, and enhancing stakeholder engagement. Continued collaboration among partner institutions will remain central to the successful implementation of the OPEN-ASIA Project and the wider dissemination of its outcomes.