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Mission: Transforming and empowering learning communities through high-impact educational content and practices to advance equity, access, and inclusion for all. The conference will focus on the OER Foundation, Practices, and communities.

Conference Theme: Equity-Centered Open Access (OA) Design

Description: The conference is dedicated to exploring and advancing the intersection of open-access principles and equity-focused design in scholarly communication. As the landscape of academic publishing evolves, this conference aims to foster a dynamic and inclusive dialogue among students, researchers, librarians, faculty, publishers, and advocates committed to creating a more equitable and accessible scholarly ecosystem.

• Equity in Access: Explore strategies and initiatives that promote equitable access to scholarly information for diverse communities. Discuss the challenges and opportunities in ensuring that open access initiatives are designed to address the needs of underrepresented groups, both in terms of content creation and consumption.
• Inclusive Design Practices: Delve into the principles of inclusive design and how they can be applied to the development of open-access platforms, tools, and policies. Examine case studies and best practices for creating systems that prioritize accessibility, usability, and representation.
• Global Perspectives on Open Access: Consider the global implications of open access and its impact on researchers and institutions worldwide. Discuss collaborative efforts to bridge the digital divide, eliminate language barriers, and promote international cooperation in the pursuit of equitable knowledge dissemination.
• Community Engagement: Explore how community-based approaches can enhance the design and implementation of open-access initiatives. Share insights on successful community engagement models and strategies for involving diverse stakeholders in decision-making processes.
• Policy and Advocacy: Examine the role of policies and advocacy in shaping the landscape of open access with an emphasis on equity. Discuss current challenges, potential policy solutions, and the importance of advocating for inclusive practices in academic publishing.
• Technology and Innovation: Showcase innovative technologies and tools that support equity-centered open access. Discuss emerging trends, such as blockchain applications, artificial intelligence, and other technological advancements that have the potential to reshape the future of scholarly communication.
• Educational Initiatives: Highlight educational programs and initiatives that aim to raise awareness about open access and equity issues within the academic community. Discuss the role of educational institutions in fostering a culture of openness and inclusivity.

The Equity-Centered Open Access (OA) Design Conference provides a platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and collaborate on solutions that promote openness, inclusivity, and equity in scholarly communication. By bringing together a diverse range of perspectives, the conference aims to inspire positive change and contribute to the evolution of a more equitable and accessible knowledge ecosystem.