Open research embodies the ideas of best research practices by opening up participation in – and access to – the research lifecycle. It covers a wide range of practices and principles related to how research is carried out and enables research to take advantage of technical advances.
Publications, data, protocols and equipment all support dissemination, verification and reproducibility of research findings as well as re-use by, for example, other researchers and industry. Open research has strong links with policies in other areas such as research integrity, research culture, digital infrastructure, talent and skills and research ethics.
On this page you will find resources predominantly referring to open access and open research data. However, we recognise that open research covers a much broader range of activities than this and new resources will be added as they become available.
This was an active policy area before UKRI was formed, so much of the guidance refers to RCUK and HEFCE policies. UKRI is currently in the final stages of reviewing its open access policy and will then be undertaking a review of open research data and software policy and practice. These activities will support the formation of new UKRI materials.