The 1st Canadian Conference on Open Science and Open Scholarship is a landmark national event dedicated to accelerating the adoption of open science practices across the country, making research more accessible, transparent, and collaborative. Hosted by Concordia University and partner institutions, the conference arrives at a pivotal moment, as Canada strengthens its commitment to open science through new mandates, platforms, and services. Taking place in Montreal on October 9-10, 2025, the event will convene 150–200 participants from government, academia, and research organizations. Together, they will develop practical guidelines and forge partnerships to transform the way research is conducted and shared nationwide. Participants will engage in hands-on work to map the current open-science landscape in Canada, and outline future directions. The program will include keynote and invited talks, panel discussions, working groups, and ample opportunities for networking and for participants to share their work. Join us as a speaker! We welcome submissions for posters, booths, and lightning talks that showcase your work in advancing open science.

Important dates

  • Abstract submission deadline: July 15, 2025, by the end of the day in your local time zone.
  • Notification of decision: No later than August 15, 2025
  • Submission of revised abstract for the conference website: August 30, 2025
  • Conference dates: October 9–10, 2025

Prompts for contributors

  • Are you part of a research institution advancing open science and open scholarship? Showcase your programs and projects that are pushing the boundaries of open research!
  • Are you a student beginning to implement open science practices in your research? We want to hear your story! Share what inspired you, the challenges you have encountered, your achievements, and the lessons you have learned along the way!
  • Are you a developer of an open tool, platform, or resource? Expand your network and enhance your impact by connecting directly with the open science community!
  • Are you a publisher committed to advancing open science and open scholarship practices? Share your initiatives and engage with a wide and diverse audience!
  • Are you a funding program manager supporting open science and open scholarship efforts? Boost the visibility of your program and help researchers discover new opportunities!
  • Are you a university administrator leading the implementations of open science and open scholarship policies? Present your institutional initiatives and spark meaningful dialogue with peers!
  • Are you part of a not-for-profit organization advocating for open research?? Raise awareness of your mission and build new partnerships!
  • Are you an artist or creator inspired by the principles of open science and open scholarship? Show us how your work intersects with and contributes to the open movement!

Call for posters, booths, and lightning talks

The conference offers three dynamic formats to showcase your work, spark connections, and grow your network: posters, booths, and lightning talks. We welcome a wide range of voices and innovations from across the open science and scholarship communities, and presentations are invited in both English and French. We strongly encourage submissions from individuals of all backgrounds, career stages, and institutions.

Which format is right for me?

The presentation formats are thoughtfully designed to support diverse styles of engagement, ensuring an inclusive and flexible experience for all participants.

  • Posters (Day 1, October 9) offer an ideal format for visually presenting your research, projects, or programs. They create a relaxed setting for meaningful, one-on-one conversations, encouraging focused discussions and the exchange of ideas and insights.
  • Booths (Day 1, October 9) are designated areas intended to showcase a project, product (such as a tool or platform), or broader initiative, and can support hands-on experiences. They are ideal for live demonstrations, interactive displays, and one-on-one conversations. Presenters will have access to rectangular tables and chairs. Power outlets, poster boards, and wooden easels can be made available on request. Presenters are welcome to bring additional materials such as signage, handouts, or stickers, and we will work with each team to accommodate specific needs. The session will run for two hours, and while presenters are not required to remain at their booth for the entire time, we encourage having someone present during key moments to engage with attendees.
  • Lightning talks (Days 1 and 2, October 9–10) offer a fast-paced format for sharing key insights, innovative ideas, and practical solutions. These 5-minute presentations, followed by 2 minutes of Q&A, provide a lively platform to spark discussion and spotlight the most compelling aspects of your work in a dynamic and engaging way.

How do I submit my proposal?

We welcome submissions from organizations, researchers, and professionals at all career stages. Whether you are proposing a poster, a booth, or a lightning talk, please submit an abstract of up to 250 words through our online form and indicate your preferred presentation format(s). Your abstract should include a clear, concise title, be fully self-contained, and not include bibliographic references. All submissions will be reviewed by the organizing committee, and decisions will be communicated no later than July 30.

Click here to access the submission form

Student, trainee, and early career researcher travel grants

If you are a student, trainee, or early career researcher interested in presenting at the conference but facing funding barriers, you may be eligible for support through our travel grant program. We are planning to offer at least five awards of $500 each, to help offset travel costs. To be considered, simply indicate your need for a travel grant when completing the submission form.