In September 2024, Bioleft had the privilege of participating in the Open Science Dynamic Convergence Workshop hosted by the Open Research Community Accelerator (ORCA). The workshop brought together a diverse group of researchers, students, policymakers, funders, and others to discuss ways to make science more accessible, engaging, and actionable.
As a representative of Bioleft, Almendra joined a panel discussion on collaboration in the open science ecosystem. Together with other esteemed colleagues, we explored our experiences and lessons learned in building an open seed system to address the challenges of biodiversity loss and restrictive intellectual property.
The workshop underscored the potential of open science to foster a more just and democratic scientific system. By sharing knowledge and resources openly, we can break down barriers, promote collaboration, and ensure that scientific advancements benefit society as a whole.
At Bioleft, we have been working to create a more equitable seed system through participatory plant breeding and open-source seed sharing. We have developed a set of open-source licenses for seed transfer, established a collaborative seed archive, and created a platform to connect farmer-breeders and facilitate knowledge exchange.
Our journey has taught us several valuable lessons, such as the importance of collaboration, the power of participatory approaches, the need for institutional support and the value of open-source tools and resources.
As we continue our work at Bioleft, we are committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We are seeking to expand our network of collaborators, develop new tools and resources, and advocate for policies that support open science.
The ORCA workshop was a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from their experiences. By working together, we can build a more just, democratic, and sustainable future for science and society.