Unlocking Openness: connecting people, data, and ideas at the University of Genoa

This presentation explores the University of Genoa’s approach to Open Science and the central role of its Library System in promoting openness, research visibility, and knowledge sharing. As the only university in the Liguria region, UniGe supports a diverse academic community through an integrated network of libraries, digital infrastructures, and research support services. The paper highlights the development of key Open Science initiatives, including the IRIS institutional repository, the Opendata UniGe research data repository, support for Data Management Plans, and the implementation of Read & Publish agreements. It discusses the evolution of UniGe’s Open Science policies, the collaborative work between librarians, research offices, and ICT services, and the challenges of fostering Open Access in a changing scholarly communication landscape. Particular attention is given to GenOA Week, the university’s flagship Open Science event, which brings together researchers, librarians, policymakers, and public institutions to advance dialogue on Open Access, research data, Open Culture, and Open Government. The experience of UniGe demonstrates how libraries can act as strategic drivers of institutional change by connecting people, data, and ideas to support a more open and sustainable research ecosystem.