Join the OU for its first Open Research Week

Posted on 18 March 2025 • Science, maths, computing and technology, University news

The OU is set to host its first Open Research Week from 24^th to 28th March.

The week is an opportunity for anyone, anywhere, to learn about our ‘real world’ applications of our openly available data, outputs and citizen science platforms and to help others in the research community to do research better.

Communicated through webinars, videos and articles, it is an opportunity to hear more around openness and AI, citizen science, open access publishing, and how we have taken research out from behind locked paywalls to make processes more inclusive.

We will also demonstrate the relevance of open research to AI, and how it informs health – contributing to living longer and its use in palliative care settings, and how it supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Professor Kevin Shakesheff, Pro Vice Chancellor, Research & Innovation, commented on the significance of the week for the university:

“Open Research Week is important for us because by sharing our approaches and our work openly, we invite discussion and critique, and—most importantly—progress. We’ll hear from experts leading the charge in science communication and in opening research processes to the public using citizen science platforms.

“We’re also very proud to be launching our free, online course on Open Research, and the team behind that will be taking us through what it offers researchers.”

All sessions are online, allowing people to register and learn remotely. The event programme is split into five subject areas: The fundamentals of open research, Collaboration and AI and open education resources, Citizen science showcase, Open publishing pathways and Accessing data.

You can find out more about each subject area and register for individual sessions online.

Professor Theo Papaioannou, OU Open Research Lead, said:

“The work we do in advancing open research goes beyond simply making research outputs publicly available. It requires us to rethink the entire research process—from project conception, to how we collect data and share findings, and how we engage with the public and other researchers.

This week gives focus to these conversations, particularly around openness and AI, around citizen science, around open access publishing, and much more.”

Professor Shakesheff added:

“At the OU, we’ve always believed in the power of accessible education and research – open is who we are. Our mission is to remove obstacles to learning, and open research is a natural extension of that ethos.

“So, whether you’re an experienced advocate of open research or just starting to explore what it means, I encourage you to take full advantage of this week. Ask questions, share ideas, challenge assumptions, and most importantly, think about how open research can shape the future of your own work.”