April 2026 Open Research Digest
The April 2026 issue of the Open Research Digest is now available
The , bringing together the latest news, updates and opportunities from the world of Open Research at »¨½·Ö±²¥.
This month’s Open Research Perspective is provided by Lynda McIntosh, Research Communications and Marketing Manager, who reflects on how closer collaboration between the University’s Research Communications and Open Research teams is helping to strengthen the visibility, discoverability and impact of Manchester’s research. Drawing on examples from the recent Research Communications Conference, Lynda’s Perspective highlights how joined‑up professional services support aligns with the University’s Manchester 2035 ambitions.
Elsewhere in the issue, we share key Open Research updates, including:
- UKRI’s plans for the next phase of Open Access policy implementation (2026–30);
- Cancer Research UK’s forthcoming changes to Open Access funding;
- An update on the University’s Electronic Research Notebook (ERN) project, with rollout expected later this year;
- A new UKRN primer on computational reproducibility, offering practical guidance for researchers across disciplines.
Our Community Corner is packed with opportunities to get involved, from workshops, networking events and surveys, to conference reflections showcasing Manchester’s leadership in FAIR and sustainable data practices. Highlights include upcoming workshops; events for Research Technical Professionals; and new guidance and support from Research IT.
As always, we end with a round up of key sector news, funding calls and training opportunities relevant to Open Research communities.
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Dr. Sarah Kneen and Elizabeth Kavanagh-Warnock, Open Research Specialists
Lucy May, Open Research Manager