OpenFest 2026: People and Place

OpenFest 2026 is one of the United Kingdom's leading research-focused conferences dedicated to promoting open research practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation across academia. Co-delivered by Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield, this four-day conference brings together researchers, educators, policymakers, doctoral students, librarians, and research professionals to explore the future of transparent, collaborative, and impactful research.

The 2026 theme, "Open Research: People and Place," focuses on how communities, institutions, and geographical contexts influence research practices. Through keynote presentations, workshops, lightning talks, panel discussions, and networking sessions, participants will gain practical knowledge and establish valuable collaborations with experts from various disciplines.

OpenFest has become a flagship event for promoting research accessibility, reproducibility, data sharing, citizen science, and responsible innovation. Whether you are beginning your research career or leading large collaborative projects, the conference offers valuable learning opportunities and meaningful professional connections.

Why Attend OpenFest 2026?

OpenFest provides a unique environment where participants can exchange ideas, showcase research, and discuss the future of open science. The conference encourages interdisciplinary collaboration while promoting responsible research practices that benefit society.

Delegates will have opportunities to learn from internationally recognized experts, discover innovative research methodologies, and participate in discussions about research integrity, open publishing, data management, public engagement, and emerging technologies supporting open scholarship.

Conference Highlights

• Inspiring keynote presentations from leading researchers
• Interactive workshops on open research practices
• Research paper and lightning talk presentations
• Networking sessions with academic professionals
• Discussions on research policy and innovation
• Open science and research data management sessions
• Collaborative learning across multiple disciplines
• Opportunities for early-career researchers
• Best practice sharing in research transparency
• Digital tools supporting research collaboration

Who Should Attend?

This conference is ideal for:

• Academic researchers
• University faculty
• PhD scholars
• Postdoctoral researchers
• Research administrators
• Librarians
• Innovation managers
• Policy professionals
• Research funders
• Graduate students
• Open science advocates
• Knowledge exchange professionals

Learning Opportunities

Participants will explore numerous topics including:

• Open Access Publishing
• Research Data Management
• FAIR Data Principles
• Citizen Science
• Research Ethics
• Open Educational Resources
• Research Reproducibility
• Artificial Intelligence in Research
• Digital Scholarship
• Collaborative Research Networks

Each session is designed to encourage interaction, practical learning, and knowledge sharing among delegates from different institutions and disciplines.

Networking Benefits

Networking is a major component of OpenFest 2026. Delegates can connect with academics, research leaders, funding organizations, publishers, and innovation specialists. The conference creates opportunities for future research partnerships, collaborative funding applications, interdisciplinary projects, and international academic engagement.

Researchers can exchange ideas, discuss emerging challenges, and identify new opportunities for collaborative research that addresses global issues.

Professional Development

Attending OpenFest contributes significantly to professional development by helping participants:

• Enhance research visibility
• Improve publishing strategies
• Learn modern research techniques
• Understand open science policies
• Develop international collaborations
• Increase funding opportunities
• Strengthen academic communication skills
• Expand professional networks

Why Sheffield Hallam University?

Sheffield Hallam University is internationally recognized for applied research, innovation, and strong partnerships with industry and public organizations. The university offers outstanding facilities, modern learning environments, and an inclusive research culture that supports collaboration across disciplines.

Hosting OpenFest further demonstrates the university's commitment to research excellence, innovation, and knowledge exchange that benefits communities locally and globally.

Event Experience

Delegates can expect a welcoming atmosphere featuring engaging presentations, interactive discussions, collaborative workshops, networking breaks, and opportunities to exchange ideas with researchers from various academic backgrounds.

The conference also promotes diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and responsible research practices, ensuring every participant can contribute meaningfully to discussions.

Benefits of Participating

Attendees will:

• Discover current trends in open research
• Learn practical research skills
• Meet international experts
• Build professional collaborations
• Present innovative ideas
• Gain insights into funding opportunities
• Improve research impact
• Support responsible research practices
• Explore new digital research technologies
• Contribute to the future of open scholarship

Wrapping Up

OpenFest 2026 provides an exceptional opportunity for researchers, academics, and professionals to explore the future of open research while developing valuable collaborations and enhancing professional knowledge. Through engaging presentations, practical workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities, the conference supports the advancement of transparent, inclusive, and impactful research across disciplines.

Researchers attending OpenFest 2026 will leave with new knowledge, expanded professional networks, practical skills, and fresh ideas that can positively influence future research projects and institutional practices.