Open science and ethics in energy research

Abstract

Energy research is evolving, with new methodologies, technologies, and challenges, while new communication tools allow for quick and cheap dissemination of information. In contrast, the publication of scientific research is still carried out by specialised journals, which serve a dual purpose as gatekeepers and disseminators but may delay the process of sharing the scientific knowledge. Data used in relevant research is often kept secret, and proprietary code and "black-box" models are barriers to replication. These practices raise ethical concerns as they may hinder the identification of research misconduct. Open science has gained momentum and aims to promote openness, reconnecting with traditional research principles. In this paper, we discuss the ethical and practical implications of the adoption of open science in energy research. Our goal is to give a broad understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of open science and present the ongoing discussions in the research community.