In 2025, our 4^th Annual Forum for Open Research will be held in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (20^th-23^rd October). The Annual Forum is usually held during Open Access Week (the third week in October).

The Call for Proposals for the 4^th Annual Forum for Open Research  is now open.

Submissions are reviewed by FORM’s Conference Programme Committee during June. The focus is on original and informative case studies and round table discussions relating to the key conference themes and priorities – as our delegates value practical ‘lessons learned’ approaches from across the region.

Registration for the 4^th Annual Forum for Open Research will open in April.

The Annual Forum for Open Research is open to everyone. It is mainly attended by research library directors, policymakers, senior faculty and university administrators, together with funders and open science advocates from various global organisations.

Popular topics of discussion include (but are not limited to) open science policies, open access policies and publishing, research data management and open data, community building, and open infrastructures.

FORM aims to keep the Annual Forum fee affordable for delegates, and we rely on our Host Partners and our Sponsors to help keep the conference costs low and ensure we can continue to develop an informative and engaging programme of activities and resources throughout the year.

FORM aims to ensure that the Annual Forum is hosted in a different Arab state each year. If your institution is interested in hosting an upcoming Annual Forum, please email our Director, Dr Emily Choynowski.