The European Commission is holding a consultation on new recommendations for access to and preservation of scientific information in the digital age, which is a great opportunity for people from the working group to highlight the importance of open data and discuss projects such as the Panton Principles.

A hearing is scheduled on Monday 30th of May from 10:00 to 17:00, to take place in the Jean Monnet Building Room M1 – European Commission – Kirchberg L-2920, Luxembourg.

Topics for discussion:

1. access to scientific information (including open access),
2. preservation of scientific outputs,
3. the research evaluation system.
   

We are fortunate that Cameron Neylon is planning to participate (catch up on the mailing list discussion here). However, representation by other members of the working group or open data people in general would be fantastic, so we hope some of you can make it!

If you’re keen to have your voice heard, here’s how:

• Registrations for the hearing should reach the following address by 17th May 2011: INFSO-E4@ec.europa.eu
• The maximum number of participants is limited to 80. Registrations will be accepted in the order in which they are received. However, the Commission will reserve the right to give priority to those with a direct interest in the topic, and will ensure that there is a balanced representation all concerned parties.
• Confirmation of registration and details of the venue will be sent one week prior to the scheduled date. Upon registration, and in order to facilitate the organisation, each participant should therefore indicate the topic(s) which they wish to address. On this basis, the Commission services will draw up a speaker’s list for each topic. Interventions should be limited to not more than 5 minutes per speaker (without PowerPoint slides) followed by a discussion / questions & answer session with the attendees.

We look forward with interest to the Communication and Recommendation on Scientific Information that will be published following this consultation and which the EC intends to adopt by the end of 2011.