The way we share and apply scientific knowledge is changing, and platforms like Open Research Europe (ORE) are leading the change. Built on the principles of openness, transparency, and collaboration, ORE is transforming how researchers publish their work and connect with the world. To explore this exciting shift, we interviewed Prof. Dr. Phoebe Koundouri, proud advocate of open research and renowned academic whose work is dedicated to tackling some of the planet’s biggest challenges.
As the founder and director of the Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on Aeiphoria (AE4RIA) and chair of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network Global Climate Hub (GCH), Prof. Dr. Phoebe Koundouri has spent decades advancing innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to issues like climate change, inequality, and biodiversity loss.
In this interview, she provides insight into why she believes ORE is a suitable platform for European Union-funded researchers to publish with, the unique benefits of open peer review, and advice for academics looking to get involved with ORE.
You have published multiple articles with ORE. What motivated you and your co-authors to choose ORE to publish your work? Did anything stand out to you when publishing with ORE compared to traditional journals?
My co-authors and I chose to publish with ORE because the platform reflects the principles that increasingly guide contemporary scientific research: openness, transparency, and rapid knowledge sharing of cutting-edge, impact-driven interdisciplinary research. ORE represents a revolutionary innovation in the research landscape as a unique and forward-looking publishing platform that accelerates the dissemination of high-quality scientific knowledge, supports transparent peer review, and fosters collaboration across disciplines and institutions. By promoting open access and rapid communication of results, it plays a crucial role in advancing science in the direction that today’s global challenges require.
I consider ORE a revolutionary innovation because it enables the much-needed strengthening of trust between science and society, which is essential for addressing today’s complex global challenges. I firmly believe that researchers must actively engage with policymakers, politicians, businesses, financial institutions, and civil society to ensure that scientific knowledge informs real-world decision-making. Trust is strengthened when scientists focus on relevant societal problems, communicate their findings clearly, and remain transparent about the data, models, and methods underlying their research. Equally important is being explicit about the policy implications and recommendations that emerge from scientific evidence. Finally, sustained investment in capacity building and knowledge sharing helps empower stakeholders to understand and use scientific insights effectively. Through openness, collaboration, and a shared commitment to solving real-world challenges, science can become a trusted partner in shaping sustainable and inclusive development pathways. When it comes to interdisciplinary research, it is essential that findings are open access, disseminated quickly and remain accessible to both the scientific community and decision-makers.
You have contributed to ORE as a peer reviewer. What motivated you to take up this role? What do you think the benefits of the open peer review model are?
I view peer review as a fundamental responsibility of the scientific community and an essential mechanism for safeguarding the integrity and quality of research. Throughout my 30-year career in academia, I have served and continue to serve as editor, co-editor, associate editor, and scientific advisory board member for several top-ranked, highly cited international journals. At the same time, I rarely decline invitations to review for serious and reputable journals, both well-established and emerging, as I believe that contributing to the peer review process is a key part of advancing rigorous and impactful scientific knowledge.
What stands out in ORE compared with traditional journals is the open peer review model, which increases transparency and encourages constructive scientific dialogue between authors and reviewers. It improves accountability and encourages more collaborative and educational exchanges within the scientific community. Another important advantage is the speed and accessibility of publication, which is particularly valuable for research addressing urgent global challenges.
You are a member of the Scientific Advisory Board in Open Research Europe. How do you think your role has influenced the development of the Platform?
As a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of ORE, my role has been to support the strategic development of a publishing model that reflects the evolving needs of both the scientific community and society.
Through my advisory work with multilateral, international and national organizations and institutions, including the United Nations, the G20, the World Bank, the European Commission, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the OECD, and the World Health Organization, I have seen how essential it is for high-quality scientific and interdisciplinary research knowledge to be rapidly accessible to policymakers and society. The Scientific Advisory Board of ORE contributes to strengthening trust in the platform by advising on best practices in open peer review, research integrity, and the visibility of European and global research. By bringing perspectives from both academia and science-policy engagement, we help ensure that the platform not only serves researchers but also supports evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development pathways.
Do you have any advice for researchers who wish to submit their work to Open Research Europe?
My main advice to researchers considering submitting their work to ORE is to view the platform as part of a broader transition toward a more open, transparent, collaborative and accountable research ecosystem. ORE provides an opportunity for researchers to share their findings rapidly and ensure that publicly funded knowledge is accessible to the widest possible audience. Researchers should embrace the open peer review process as a constructive and valuable element of the publication journey. Transparency in the review process encourages thoughtful scientific dialogue and often strengthens the quality and clarity of the work. Rather than seeing peer review as a hurdle, it can be viewed as an opportunity for collaboration and improvement.
I would also encourage researchers to make the most of the platform’s capacity to support interdisciplinary research. Many of the most pressing global challenges require approaches that integrate insights from multiple disciplines. Platforms like ORE are particularly well-suited to showcasing this type of work. Finally, researchers should remember that open access dissemination increases the visibility and societal impact of their research, helping ensure that scientific knowledge can more effectively inform policy, innovation, and sustainable development pathways.
Do you have any advice for early career researchers on how to advance their research careers?
For early career researchers, my first piece of advice is to cultivate strong intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary openness and social accountability. Many of the most important scientific questions today, cannot be addressed within the boundaries of a single discipline. Developing the ability to collaborate across fields and engage with diverse perspectives is therefore essential for advancing impactful research.
Second, I encourage young researchers to embrace the principles of open science. Platforms such as ORE provide opportunities to share research more transparently and reach a wider audience. Engaging with open peer review and open access publishing can increase visibility, foster collaboration, and accelerate scientific progress. It is also important to develop a strong methodological foundation while remaining connected to real-world challenges. Research that combines rigorous analytical approaches with relevance for policy and society can have particularly meaningful impact.
Third, I would encourage early career researchers to build international networks and collaborative partnerships. Science progresses through dialogue and cooperation and participating in global research communities can open new perspectives, opportunities, and pathways for innovation.
Finally, scientists have a profound responsibility to the societies that make their work possible. Much of scientific research is supported by public funds, entrusted by taxpayers who believe in the power of knowledge to improve lives and safeguard our collective future. For this reason, scientists must remain accountable not only to the standards of their disciplines but also to the citizens who invest in discovery and innovation. This accountability calls for transparency, integrity, and openness in the way research is conducted, communicated, and applied. By engaging with society, sharing knowledge widely, and ensuring that scientific advances contribute to addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges, scientists honour the public trust and reaffirm the essential role of science as a force for progress, responsibility, and hope.
Learn more about the Open Research Europe publishing process, and if you’re ready we invite you to submit your research to the platform today.
