The tradition of the Open Science Meetings (OSMs) began in 2002, when Indonesia and the Netherlands reconfirmed their long history of scientific cooperation. Five OSMs have been organised so far by various Indonesian and Dutch institutions. Each one has been innovative and addressed topical themes of mutual interest to the two countries.

Recurring themes include synergies between differing disciplines (notably the social and natural sciences) and between science and society. Such synergies have led to interesting research partnerships in the social and natural sciences, for example in the East Kalimantan Programme and the Agriculture beyond Food Programme.

Open Science Meeting 2011

The Sixth Open Science Meeting, entitled ‘Rise to the Water Challenge’, took place in Jakarta, Indonesia on November 28–29, 2011. An international scientific forum was brought together to present comparative cases and practices from Indonesia and elsewhere in Southeast Asia, as well as from India. The theme related to changes in water systems concerning biomass and ecosystems, public health and social and economic development.

On the first day, these three subthemes were explored in depth in parallel sessions, keynote speeches and a plenary discussion fostered an integrative analysis. Two main conclusions followed from the plenary discussion: First, interdisciplinary methodologies are indispensible in linking multiple fields of scientific expertise. Second, translation of research findings in plain and practical language aimed at policy makers and society at large should be a continuous point of attention.
On the second day, experts on the island of Kalimantan gathered to discuss what is needed to go “beyond the state of the art” in addressing the scientific and societal challenges conservation and economic growth.

Past OSMs

• OSM 2011: "Rise to the Water Challenge", November 2011, Jakarta, Indonesia
• OSM 2009: “Science, Innovation and Valorisation: Bridging the Gap between Science, Market and Society”, November 2009, Netherlands
• OSM 2007: “Towards a Sustainable World”, November 2007, Bali, Indonesia
• OSM 2005: “Science and Society: new challenges and opportunities”, September 2005, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
• OSM 2003: “Back to the Future”, September 2003, Jakarta, Indonesia
• OSM 2002: “Scientific Programme Indonesia Netherlands”, February 2002, Bandung, Indonesia