Privacy Policy
Last updated: September 2026
This policy explains what information Open Science Community Network collects, how we use it, and the choices you have. It applies to this website and to our community activities more broadly.
1. Who we are
Open Science Community Network ("OSCN", "we", "us") is a community network that strengthens capacity, promotes responsible research practice, and connects researchers across Africa's regions. This policy explains how we handle personal information collected through this website and through community activities such as joining a chapter, registering for events, or contacting us.
2. Information we collect
We collect information you give us directly — such as your name, email address, institution, country and research interests when you join a chapter, register for an event, submit the contact form, or apply for a leadership role. We also collect basic technical information automatically, such as browser type, pages visited and approximate location, to understand how the site is used and to keep it secure.
3. How we use your information
We use your information to run the community: connecting you with your regional chapter and community leads, sending updates about events and opportunities you have opted into, responding to enquiries, coordinating volunteers and leadership, and improving the site and our programmes. We do not use your information for automated decision-making that has a legal or similarly significant effect on you.
4. Sharing your information
We share member information with the relevant regional or country chapter leads so they can coordinate local activities, and with service providers who help us run the site, send communications, or manage events (under agreements that limit how they may use your data). We do not sell your personal information, and we only share it with third parties outside OSCN where you have consented, where it's needed to deliver a service you requested, or where required by law.
5. Cookies and analytics
This site uses a small number of cookies and similar technologies to remember your preferences and to understand aggregate usage patterns, so we can improve navigation and content. You can control cookies through your browser settings; disabling them may affect some site features.
6. Data retention
We keep member and volunteer information for as long as you remain active in the community and for a reasonable period afterwards, to maintain accurate records and comply with our obligations. You can ask us to delete your information at any time, subject to any records we are required to keep.
7. Your rights
Depending on where you are based, you may have the right to access, correct, export or delete the personal information we hold about you, and to object to or restrict certain uses of it. To exercise any of these rights, reach out through our Contact page and we will respond as soon as we reasonably can.
8. Data across our regions
As a network spanning multiple African regions, information may be accessed by chapter leads and coordinators in a different country from where you registered, solely for the purpose of running the community. We take reasonable steps to keep information secure wherever it is accessed from.
9. Children's privacy
OSCN activities are aimed at researchers, students and professionals. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can remove it.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time as the community and site evolve. We will post the updated version here with a new "last updated" date; significant changes will be communicated through our usual channels.
11. Contact us
If you have questions about this policy or how your information is handled, please get in touch through our Contact page.
Questions about this policy? Contact the team.