Open Research Fellowship Programme
Applications open on Monday, 8 September 2025 and close Friday, 24 October 2025
The Office for Open Research believes that knowledge and confidence in Open Research practices will prove essential in creating a more open, collaborative, and equitable research landscape. We are looking for passionate individuals to join us as Open Research Fellows. You will have the chance to explore the different elements of Open Research that engage you the most.
The Open Research Fellowship programme includes buyout of your time to allow you to focus completely on your project, and fully dedicate a day of your working week to your work on Open Research. So not only will you be pursuing your own interests, you'll also be making a valuable contribution to the wider academic world. Fellowship opportunities are open to all Academic, Professional and Technical Services colleagues across the University.
For more information about the programme, attend our online information session on:
Week commencing Monday, 29 September 2025 (TBC)
The session is an opportunity for prospective Fellows to discuss their proposals and applications with Scott Taylor, Head of the Office for Open Research, and John Hynes Research Services Coordinator.
A recording will be made available if you can’t make it.
Contact the Open Research team for further details:
Why do we offer Open Research Fellowships?
Ahead of the launch of the Office for Open Research we consulted the research community about priorities for the University’s Open Research Programme. In this consultation, the development of Open Research training was identified as a key priority. This need was reiterated in the results of a national survey by the UK Reproducibility Network, which identified gaps in provision for Open Research skills development. We have secured funding from the Research England Culture Fund to offer this Fellowship Programme, including buyout of time, to enable motivated researchers dedicated time and recognition for working to advance Open Research within their disciplines.
How does it work?
The Open Research Fellowship programme will provide you with time to work on Open Research by buying out up to 0.2 FTE of your time for seven months (from January – July 2026). As part of your application, we require you to provide costings on anticipated project expenditure with as much detail as possible, so we can determine if allocated funding can be used to achieve your Open Research goals.
By participating in our Fellowship programme, you will work on your own project and contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and best practices in Open Research.
Project proposal
A project proposal is a key part of the application to the Open Research Fellowship Programme. We keep an open mind about the scope and remit of potential Open Research projects, but broadly aim to support projects which define, investigate, or facilitate Open Research practice in your discipline or across the University. Your application should demonstrate:
- How you would effectively advocate for Open Research practices.
- How your work will link to the Open Research Skills Framework.
You may wish to refer to the projects being undertaken by the current cohort of Fellows. The Office for Open Research team are also happy to discuss any project ideas you may have.
Expectations
Appointed Fellows will be expected to:
- Contribute to the work of the Office for Open Research with domain expertise.
- Continuously engage with the Office for Open Research to update and report on project milestones.
- Participate in an Open Research community of practice, networking with other Fellows, and proactively sharing best practice with their peers, even after their Fellowship has ended.
Eligibility
We welcome applications from academic, professional and technical services colleagues from across the University. To be eligible for the Fellowship, colleagues must be:
- On an existing permanent contract with the University or a fixed-term contract that extends up to or beyond the end of the Fellowship term.
- Working at a grade up to and including grade 7.
If appointed, a percentage of your time will be ‘bought out’ for seven months from January until July 2026 (typically 0.2FTE or equivalent), subject to approval from your Head of School or service.
How do I apply?
The application checklist sets out the steps required for submitting an application:
A completed expression of interest form should be submitted, by email to openresearch@manchester.ac.uk by Friday, 24 October 2025.
Selection process
Applications will be reviewed based on consideration of the project proposal, as well as the applicants’ own experience and commitment to Open Research. Assessment criteria will include:
- Quality of the project and its feasibility within the Fellowship timeline.
- Commitment to and experience of Open Research practices and principles.
Those shortlisted will be interviewed by a panel drawn from Open Research Strategy Group. All applicants will be informed of the result of their application in December 2025.
Ultimately, the Fellowship aims to raise awareness about Open Research and promote its adoption across all parts of The University of Manchester. This is another step towards our commitment to openness in research, and we look forward to nurturing the third cohort of Open Research leaders and champions at the University.