A knowledge crystal is a web page that aims to answer a specific question by using principles of open science – notably open participation, criticism, and permanent resource locations. Each knowledge crystal aims at finding a good answer or answers with rationale that convinces a critical reader. Arguments and rationale can build on open data, references to scientific research, discussions, calculations or models, or basically anything useful. The concept was originally developed in the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
Naturally, these open web pages with permanent locations offer a convenient way of checking the current state of understanding about each topic for scientists, policy-makers, journalists and curious citizens alike. This way the project furthers deliberate and structured societal discourse.