Open Access and Research Conference 2013: Discovery, Impact and Innovation

The Open Access and Research Conference 2013, 31 October - 1 November, provided a vibrant platform for discussion about recent advances in Open Access and scholarly communication practices globally.

Since the previous iteration of the conference in 2008, a number of key reforms to academic publishing requirements have occurred, both in Australia and internationally. The adoption of national open access mandates reflects a common concern for delivering more efficient and broad-reaching research communication systems - a transition fundamentally underpinned by issues of access and dissemination. The theme Discovery, Impact and Innovation focuses on this transition.

About the program

Overall, the conference provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress of Open Access and to consider the strategic advantages these developments bring to the research sector more generally. The comprehensive program explored these issues as part of a two-fold approach, comprising 1.International 'round-ups' - covering the breadth of recent international initiatives. This includes commentary from the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia. 2.Thematic sessions - focusing on specific areas of research and information management necessary to the advancement of Open Access. Such topics include advocacy, alternative metrics, data management and open innovation.