Open research is creating, conducting and sharing your research as openly as possible. From the first idea to the final publication. Open research is based on principles of transparency, collaboration, accountability and equity. Open research is for all researchers and includes a wide range of practices that can be applied in various ways across all disciplines. Opening up your research helps your work reach more people, builds trust in your research and increases its impact.
The University of Cambridge supports open research and encourages researchers to explore open ways of working. We’ve created a position statement that explains what’s expected and how we support you. Cambridge University Press and Assessment also see open research as a fundamental part of their mission.
Open research is more than just sharing final papers. It’s about sharing the full journey – your data, methods and tools – so others can understand and build on your work. It means rethinking how you plan, do and share research. This includes:
- Planning and design – e.g. preregistering your study plans
- Data management – e.g. collecting and recording data in ways that support sharing
- Analysis and interpretation – e.g. using open code and open notebooks
- Dissemination – e.g. sharing through open access books, articles, data, preprints and protocols
- Post-publication engagement – e.g. engaging in open peer review and reusing data
Open research also means being responsible and ethical. Not all research data can or should be shared. You need to consider privacy, consent, intellectual property and cultural values. For example, data involving people, commercial information, or indigenous knowledge may need to stay private.