Open science imaginaries: Meanings and values among natural scientists in Brazil, France and Peru

‘Open science’ is a term that remains under constant discussion. Based on 29 semi-structured interviews with researchers from the natural sciences working in Brazil, France and Peru, this paper discusses the different meanings and values associated with open science. The different imaginaries concerning open science can be organized into three main categories: open science as research outputs, as embedded in the research process, and as related to the science–society relationship, the latter being more common in the two South American countries in this study. Openness, freedom and democracy are values commonly associated with this concept. In addition, Mertonian values such as universalism and organized skepticism are highlighted, although with nuanced variations due to open science practices.