The LSHTM Open Research Champion Network is a new initiative designed to build expertise and promote a culture of open research across the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).
We’re inviting staff and students with an interest in open research to volunteer a few hours of their time to help champion open practices within their communities.
What Is Open Research?
Also known as Open Science, open research is a global movement to make scientific research more transparent, accessible, and collaborative. It supports practices that make it easier to: share and reuse research outputs, verify research findings, and collaborate across disciplines and institutions
You can learn more about LSHTM’s open research activities and resources on our Open Research and Open Science guidance pages.
What Is an Open Research Champion?
An Open Research Champion is a volunteer who actively promotes open research within a specific LSHTM community, such as a department, research centre, course module, or other peer group.
Champions form a supportive network across LSHTM, working together to raise awareness and build capacity for open research.
Who Can Join?
The network is open to all LSHTM staff and students with an interest in open research. You don’t need to be an expert—just enthusiastic and willing to contribute a few hours each month.
If you’re interested, please discuss it with your team or supervisor and complete the Expression of Interest form.
Why Become an Open Research Champion?
As an Open Research Champion, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Learn new skills and broaden your understanding of open research
- Expand your professional network within and beyond LSHTM
- Collaborate on open research initiatives
- Enhance your CV – your contributions to internal citizenship can be included in your staff profile, PDR, and promotion applications.
What Does a Champion Do?
Champions are encouraged to lead or support activities that promote open research in their communities. These might include:
- Writing blog posts or case studies about open practices in your research
- Sharing relevant open research resources with colleagues
- Giving presentations or talks at meetings and seminars
- Organising events or workshops on open research topics
- Helping to improve LSHTM’s open research support and guidance
How Are Open Research Champions Supported?
Open Research Champions are supported by the Open Research Working Group to help them to build their knowledge and expertise on open research. This takes the form of:
- Access to training and development opportunities
- Peer support and networking through the Champion community
- Guidance on how to share knowledge and promote open research effectively
Are Open Research Champions evaluated?
Open Research Champions are not formally assessed on their contribution, but we do ask for regular updates on your activities so we can share your work more widely.
How to Join
Recruitment takes place once a year through an open call. Champions are typically appointed for 12 months, with the option to extend up to 3 years.
If you are interested in becoming an Open Research Champion for your community, please discuss it with your team or supervisor and complete the Expression of Interest form.
Programme Management
The Open Research Champions Network is managed by the Research Data Manager in the Library, Archive & Open Research Services (LOARS). Activities are coordinated by an Open Research Working Group comprised of LSHTM academics.
For questions, please contact researchdatamanagement@lshtm.ac.uk
