Publish wisely or perish? an open archive for MarBEF

While scientists are publishing around two million papers annually (Odlyzko, 1998), it is surprising to notice that this growing resource of information is seldom easily accessible, even to those scientists. Basically, it is the community at large that funds almost all research, so all information resulting from this research should in principle be publicly available. However, in reality, too many barriers (mostly installed by the publisher) are blocking free and open access to scientific information

MarBEF publishing revisited

Networking and integration served within a partnership approach and covered with a delicious sauce of free and open access to data and information is MarBEF’s main dish, and it is this recipe that has helped MarBEF to successfully bring marine biodiversity research to a European level. Numerous meetings, workshops, training courses and Responsive Mode Projects (RMPs) have brought together many scientists. This integration has created endless new possibilities for new initiatives – the MarBEF Publication Series and the MarBEF Open Archive, to mention just two. So, is this having any effect on the way we publish as a network today

What next for the peace negotiation between the Colombian government and the FARC?

The peace negotiations between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia – FARC) officially started in October 2012. The negotiations are being held in Havana, Cuba and followed a pre-negotiation phase, which included a year and a half of discreet contacts and cofindence building measures as well as six months of secret exploratory talks. The negotiations have already led to three substantive agreements on land reform, political participation and the illegal drugs trade. Three agenda points remain on the rights of the victims of the conflict, the end of the conflict (cease-fire and disarmament) and the implementation of all the agreed points. The ongoing peace negotiation in Colombia is already informing other processes around the globe. The agenda is clear, the rules of the game explicit and the political will apparent. It is evident that the current negotiations have been well prepared during a two-year process of pre-negotiation. Tere have also been a number of innovative mechanisms put in place such as the historical Commission, the victims’ delegations and the gender sub-commission. But, as with any peace negotiations, substantial challenges lie ahead. Based on interviews in Bogotá and Havana and experience working on other peace processes here are a few reflections on five key challenges that lie ahead