From Concept to Community: Launching the Open Science Community of Victoria

The global Open Science movement thrives on dedicated local advocates. As the Science and Research Data Literacy Librarian at the University of Victoria, I participated in a 16-week incubator program hosted by the International Network of Open Science Communities (INOSC). This directly led to the creation of the Open Science Community of Victoria (OSCV), an interdisciplinary and educational hub for students, faculty, and research support staff at the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University. This lightning talk will outline our journey from initial concept to establishing this burgeoning community, emphasizing the practical applicability of the INOSC OSC incubator model for other Canadian institutions. Attendees will gain valuable insights from our lived experiences, demonstrating how Open Science Communities can build local momentum and play a foundational role in championing open science across Canada.