Open science and epistemic equity: opportunities and challenges in the contemporary research ecosystem

The contemporary context for open science is characterised by growing international policy momentum toward more transparent, inclusive, and collaborative scientific practices which build on the transformative potential of openness to enhance research equity, reproducibility, and collaboration. However, the shift from aspiration to implementation remains uneven and contested. Persistent structural challenges (e.g. misaligned incentives, disparities in infrastructure, and uneven access to funding and training) risk reinforcing rather than dismantling existing inequalities. The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly generative AI (GenAI), raises new concerns about epistemic authority, research integrity, and the ownership of knowledge. While AI could accelerate discovery and increase access to scientific information, it may also amplify exclusionary dynamics or prohibit the transparency open science aims to promote. This commentary paper describes how the unfolding integration of AI into research practices intersects with the goals and challenges of open science, particularly in relation to equity and inclusion. I surface the tensions between open science and research equity, examining how the changing technological landscapes intersect with long-standing socioeconomic and structural barriers. The paper argues for renewed attention to the normative foundations of open science, particularly regarding intellectual property, inclusive infrastructure, and equitable participation.