Building on Strong Foundations: Joeri Both reflects on his first months as OpenAIRE Chair
A few months into his chairmanship, we spoke with Joeri about his first experiences in the role and how OpenAIRE continues to build on the foundations laid under the leadership of the Board's previous Chair, Inge van Nieuwerburgh.
You began your chairmanship in October. Looking back on your first months in the role, how would you describe the experience so far?
More strategically, I have spent a lot of time looking into the organisation of OpenAIRE, in this transition from EU-funded projects to service provider. But it has been a really joyfull experience so far.
The Open Science Fair took place shortly before you formally stepped into the role. How did that event shape your perspective as you prepared to take on the chairmanship?
I think the thing to work on is finding a common way to reach our goals, and in that, OpenAIRE can lead the way. It was also good to meet OpenAIRE's members at the Open Science Fair. Taking on the position of Chair in such a vibrant field is just really exciting and fun. Yes, it is a responsibility of course, but you also see direct results of the work we do as OpenAIRE. So that is very rewarding.
You took over from Inge van Nieuwerburgh following her term as Chair. How would you describe the transition between you?
We also spent some time in Gent going through all the open points that were still on her agenda, as well as some new ones from me, to see how they aligned. I think that represents Inge very well, a great sense of responsibility, which she showed throughout her time as chair and continues to demonstrate. Her just making time in her workweek to talk through all of this was really helpful, and both OpenAIRE and I are grateful for all of her work. I know that I can call her at any time for advice. That makes this position much easier, knowing that you have that support.
OpenAIRE's transition towards a more sustainable and resilient organisation took place under Inge's chairmanship. How does that foundation shape your priorities moving forward?
I am stepping into this role at a time when OpenAIRE is entering a new strategic phase with the 2026– onwards strategy, and it does so on a much stronger foundation. Under Inge's chairmanship, together with the Executive Board and in close collaboration with Eloy Rodrigues as Vice Chair, the organisation undertook important structural and strategic reforms that positioned it for long-term sustainability.
The consolidation of OpenAIRE's legal framework, the diversification of its financial model, and the move towards a more resilient organisational model were decisive steps. They ensure that while we remain deeply engaged in EU projects, we are also building a stable, community-driven infrastructure capable of evolving independently of individual funding cycles.
That work required foresight and persistence. Because these core transitions have already been completed, I can now focus fully on advancing the next strategic priorities, strengthening services, deepening engagement with our members, and positioning OpenAIRE confidently within the evolving European Open Science and EOSC landscape.
In Dutch, we have an expression, "gespreid bedje", a made bed. It captures the sense of stepping into something carefully prepared. Thanks to Inge's leadership, we are building on solid ground, which allows us to move forward with clarity and confidence.
What aspects of OpenAIRE's direction represent continuity, and where do you see opportunities to further build on this foundation?
What will remain very important is maintaining strong relationships with our members. It is a unique asset for OpenAIRE to have so many people involved, critically engaging with the services we develop and co-create. OpenAIRE's direction should always reflect what the community needs from us. That network and that foundation of people is worth so much.
Looking ahead, what are your priorities for the coming months for OpenAIRE and its community?
The first priority is the General Assembly. It will be my first full GA as Chair so I am excited about that and meeting with our community again. Furthermore we have been quite successful in securing new projects, so those will now have to start up. We will also begin thinking about the location for the next Open Science Fair, and there are several other meetings to prepare for. So lots to do!
As OpenAIRE continues to strengthen its role as a European infrastructure for Open Science, continuity and collaboration remain central. Building on the foundations established in recent years, the organisation moves forward with a clear strategic direction, an engaged membership community, and a shared commitment to supporting research systems across Europe and beyond.
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