We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Open hardware: From DIY trend to global transformation in access to laboratory equipment
Summary
This essay examines the growing global adoption of open-source hardware in biology laboratories, particularly in countries with limited research funding. Researchers found that open hardware reduces dependence on commercial imports and enables local production of lab equipment through digital fabrication. The study highlights how open sharing and detailed documentation are driving a transformation in scientific technology access worldwide.
Open hardware solutions are increasingly being chosen by researchers as a strategy to improve access to technology for cutting-edge biology research. The use of DIY technology is already widespread, particularly in countries with limited access to science funding, and is catalyzing the development of open-source technologies. Beyond financial accessibility, open hardware can be transformational for the access of laboratories to equipment by reducing dependence on import logistics and enabling direct knowledge transfer. Central drivers to the adoption of appropriate open-source technologies in biology laboratories around the world are open sharing, digital fabrication, local production, the use of standard parts, and detailed documentation. This Essay examines the global spread of open hardware and discusses which kinds of open-source technologies are the most beneficial in scientific environments with economic and infrastructural constraints.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Equitable Research Capacity Towards the Sustainable Development Goals: The Case for Open Science Hardware
This review argues that achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals requires equitable distribution of research capacity globally, advocating for open science hardware as a means to democratize scientific tools beyond improvements to open access data, software, and publications.
Open, reproducible hardware for microscopy
Not relevant to microplastics — this is a scientific instrumentation article advocating for open, reproducible hardware designs in microscopy to improve transparency and replicability in experimental science.
How should we address non-reproducibility?
Researchers reviewed the root causes of non-reproducibility in experimental biology, arguing that incomplete reporting of materials and methods is a major contributor and that stricter enforcement of existing guidelines, combined with experimental heterogenization and open-science practices, is essential to improve scientific reliability.
Creation of an international laboratory network towards global microplastics monitoring harmonisation
International programs established a network of microplastics research laboratories across Global South countries, providing standardized equipment, training, and protocols. This effort aims to build local scientific capacity and ensure that microplastic monitoring data from different regions can be meaningfully compared, which is essential for understanding the true global scale of plastic pollution.
Tackling plastic pollution together: Examples of international collaboration for the monitoring and reporting of microlitter (including microplastics).
Researchers developed an international laboratory network of 15 facilities across Vanuatu, Belize, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia through the Commonwealth Litter Programme and Ocean Country Partnership Programme, providing harmonized equipment, protocols, and training to enable comparable microplastic monitoring in Global South countries. This collaborative infrastructure approach demonstrates how large laboratory networks with standardized methods are essential for producing large-scale baseline assessments of microplastic pollution.