Open Hydrology for the Science-Policy-Practice interface: why and how

Openness, transparency and reproducibility are terms which have found their way into the scientific community, including hydrology. Recently, a set of principles and guidance on Open Science for hydrology researchers was introduced by Hall et al. (2022). However, an integrative and inclusive vision, by and for all research stakeholders in hydrology, with respect to science-informed services (practice) and decision making (policy) is currently missing.

Open Hydrology, in essence, refers to the conduct of hydrological research and delivery of hydrological services based on principles and approaches of Open Science. Open Hydrology can be an effective enabler of improved Science-Policy-Practice (SPP) interface by strengthening the role of hydrological sciences. Furthermore, adoption of open, transparent, and participatory approaches to hydrology can ultimately lead to wider accessibility (in support of inclusivity and equity), and more trust in science for all research stakeholders, including the society, thus facilitating reliable decision and policy making.

Our contribution highlights the potential of Open Hydrology for members of (water) research communities and infrastructures, hydrological service providers, research administrators and facilitators of research, national and regional governmental institutions in charge of water resources management, publishers, policy makers and funders, citizen science groups and initiatives. We will share examples of open data, open source, open education, open infrastructure, and open publishing initiatives, resources and tools while discussing their transformative potential for the SPP nexus.

 

Hall, C. A., Saia, S. M., Popp, A. L., Dogulu, N., Schymanski, S. J., Drost, N., van Emmerik, T., and Hut, R.: A hydrologist's guide to open science, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 647–664, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-647-2022, 2022.