While attending the FORCE2026 conference, I had the opportunity to deliver an open research workshop at Newcastle University in Singapore (NUiS). It was a really rewarding experience that highlighted both the growing interest in open research across our global community and the enthusiasm of colleagues to explore how they can make their own research practices more open.
The workshop explored the principles of open research, practical approaches to sharing research processes and outputs, the benefits and challenges involved, and the role researchers can play in fostering a more open research culture. I was delighted by the excellent turnout and enthusiastic engagement of those who attended. Throughout the session, colleagues actively contributed by sharing their own experiences and challenges as we explored how they could implement open research in their own practice.
One particularly encouraging outcome emerged after the event. Inspired by the workshop and subsequent discussions, one participant (Kheng-Lim Goh) volunteered to become an Open Research Champion. This was especially pleasing as it reflects the wider goal of our advocacy for open research: not simply raising awareness, but empowering colleagues to champion good practice within their own communities.
I’d like to thank everyone who attended the workshop for the energy and enthusiasm they brought to this event. I’d especially like to thank Duncan Raynor, CEO of NUiS, for helping to organise the event and for making me feel so welcome during my visit to both the campus and Singapore.
This experience reinforced the value of engaging with colleagues across our international campuses, and I look forward to continuing these conversations in the future—although probably online rather than in person, sadly.
