What is Open Research?
Open Research aims to make the knowledge gained from academic research openly available as soon as possible. It has also been described as ‘Open Science’ and ‘Open Scholarship’. It involves the sharing of outputs including publications, data, code, sources, methods, instruments, and any other output from which others could benefit. The aim is to break down barriers to knowledge and make access as inclusive as possible.
How does Open Research benefit society?
The University’s mission is to contribute to society and we recognise that Open Research has benefits extending way beyond our institution:
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The general public has free access to quality information that matters in their lives
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Practitioners and policy makers can put the findings of research into practice more quickly and easily
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Public funds result in knowledge that can be shared as a public good
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Economic benefits derive from reducing attrition between research and commercial applications
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Students in a variety of context face no barriers to accessing materials that help them
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Access to knowledge is more equitably distributed around the world
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Findings from research are more transparent and trustworthy
How does Open Research benefit researchers?
Individual researchers also benefit from sharing their research:
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More visibility as outputs are not restricted by paywalls and other barriers
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Greater impact as more people read and apply their work
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More credibility through making the process of research more transparent
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Compliance with funders’ requirements and career opportunities
Open research at Cambridge
The University promotes and supports Open Research. The Office of Scholarly Communication can help you make your publications and data open, and we offer advice and training. Open Research is a key element of the University’s Research Culture Action Plan, which sets out ambitions to create the very best possible research culture at Cambridge, and how we will work towards achieving these. The University has signed the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment that, among other commitments, highlights the need to recognise a diversity of outputs when assessing researchers and to value open practices. Cambridge University Press and Assessment also see Open Research as a fundamental step in their mission.
How to get involved
With so many researchers at Cambridge embracing Open Research, we are in the process of creating a community where people can share ideas and tips. Email us if you are interested in getting involved.