From the 13^th to 16^th July 2022, the European Science Open Forum – ESOF 2022, took place in Leiden, the Netherlands. Both ExPaNDS and PaNOSC took part in the event with the hosting of a panel discussion on “Open Data for healthier societies: a virtuous cycle?”. The session showcased the achievements so far and needs for data to be open, but also the role of global mobilisation in the face of 21^st century global problems such as pandemics, and highlighted some of the achievements which have led to medications being developed, including therapies for low- and middle-income countries.

Three expert scientists in the life sciences domain – Dr Benjamin Perry (DNDi), Dr Claire Walsh (UCL, ESRF) and Dr Sam Horrell (Diamond Light Source) – presented three virtuous examples: the Protein Data Bank (PDB), COVID Moonshot Consortium and the Human Organ Atlas, which led to setting up open data banks and portals for faster discoveries and breakthroughs in the life sciences domain and beyond. Finally, Prof. Andrew Harrison OBE, CEO of Diamond Light Source and former chair of the LEAPS initiative, presented how European photon sources embraced and reacted to the new challenge posed by the pandemic. The session was moderated by our work package 6 lead Isabelle Boscaro-Clarke (Diamond Light Source).