Open science in a time of crisis: A chronology of the COVID-19 scientific response

Abstract

This study explores how Open Science practices shaped the early international response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the rapid development of vaccines in 2020. Using a mixed-methods approach, it integrates bibliometric analysis from Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus with a qualitative timeline of World Health Organization (WHO) communications to contextualise key scientific milestones. Findings indicate a strong correlation between open-access publishing – over 80% of pandemic-related publications were freely accessible – and accelerated scientific progress. The study highlights the critical role of digital infrastructures in enabling rapid knowledge dissemination and identifies the reemergence of economic barriers during vaccine commercialisation. From a Library and Information Science (LIS) perspective, this article underscores the importance of information professionals and equitable access policies in crisis response. It concludes by advocating for resilient and sustainable Open Science frameworks that extend beyond emergency contexts to support global scientific equity and innovation.