Open Research Fellowship Programme 2026
Scholarship Amount
About This Scholarship
The Open Research Fellowship Programme 2026 is offered by The University of Manchester through its Office for Open Research. This prestigious fellowship is specifically designed to support academic, professional, and technical services colleagues who are deeply committed to advancing open, collaborative, and equitable research practices.
Selected fellows will receive comprehensive research support to facilitate the completion of their innovative projects, alongside other substantial benefits aimed at fostering their development in open research.
The application window for this programme commences on 8 September 2025, with a strict application deadline set for 24 October 2025. For more detailed information, please refer to the official website of The University of Manchester's Office for Open Research.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Open Research Fellowship Programme 2026, an applicant must fulfill the following core requirements:
• Be an academic, professional, or technical services colleague holding a position at Grade 7 or below within The University of Manchester.
• Possess either a permanent contract or a fixed-term contract that extends beyond the anticipated end date of the fellowship period.
• Demonstrate a strong willingness and capacity to lead an innovative project specifically focused on promoting Open Research practices and principles within their field or the wider university community.
Fellows will be selected based on a rigorous assessment against the following key criteria:
• Project Quality, Feasibility, and Innovation: The proposed project must exhibit high quality, be realistic in its scope and timeline, and introduce innovative approaches to open research.
• Alignment with Open Research Values: The project proposal and the applicant's intentions must clearly align with established Open Research values and the principles outlined in the Open Research Skills Framework.
• Commitment to Open and Inclusive Practices: Applicants should demonstrate a clear and sustained commitment to fostering open, collaborative, and inclusive research practices throughout their work.
Required Documents
Applicants are required to submit the following documents as part of their application:
• Completed Expression of Interest form: This is the primary application form for the fellowship, which must be filled out entirely and accurately.
• Project proposal: A detailed proposal outlining the innovative project that the applicant intends to lead, ensuring it clearly aligns with Open Research principles and the program's objectives.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date CV detailing the applicant's academic and professional background, qualifications, and relevant experience.
How to Apply
Eligible applicants can apply for the Open Research Fellowship Programme 2026 by carefully following these steps:
1. Access the Application Form: Applicants should first obtain the 'Expression of Interest form 2026'. This form is typically made available on the official website of The University of Manchester's Office for Open Research.
2. Complete the Form: Fill in all sections of the Expression of Interest form meticulously. Ensure all required information regarding your background, project idea, and commitment to open research is provided.
3. Prepare Supporting Documents: Compile your comprehensive project proposal, ensuring it adheres to Open Research principles, and your most recent Curriculum Vitae (CV).
4. Submit Your Application: Email the fully completed Expression of Interest form along with your detailed project proposal and CV to the dedicated email address: openresearch@manchester.ac.uk. Ensure all documents are attached correctly and the email is sent before the application deadline.
For any queries or further assistance during the application process, applicants may reach out using the provided contact details.