The thematic focus of the programme was varied. A keynote speech, for example, focused on the different meanings of Open Science, while a panel discussion with participants from Ghana and Georgia looked at the international perspective. In hands-on workshops, participants discussed the different profiles of the data stewardship job description and learned basic skills in the Python programming language. New requirements for a "system change" towards more openness and a focus on research data ran through the different formats. Video recordings of selected programme items, presentations and reports will be made available in the coming weeks.

With 160 registrations, the event was completely sold out. Several local partners were involved in the organisation: the University and City Library of Cologne (USB), the University of Cologne, the Institute for Biomedical Informatics (IMI), the CECAD Ageing Research Cluster of Excellence at the University of Cologne and the ZB MED - Information Centre Life Sciences, which also celebrated its 50th anniversary with the festival.

The German Open Science Festival will continue next year in Mainz, because as the saying goes in Cologne: "The first time is a trial, the second time is a tradition, and the third time is a habit!"

• For more information, please visit the ZB MED social media channels or www.OpenScienceFestival.de.