Combining the efforts of University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University - this year’s OpenFest will take place online 15th-18th September 2026, and the theme for 2026 is “Open Research: People and Place”.
This is our fifth event and we hope you'll join us in celebrating this milestone!
Co-delivered by the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, OpenFest is our flagship celebration and exploration of open research. 2026 marks the fifth OpenFest event, and as ever we are committed to showcasing, interrogating, and advancing open research practices. The event will explore how open research is shaped by communities, geographic contexts, and organisational practices, highlighting innovative methodologies, inclusive dissemination, and the social and political dimensions of openness.
We invite proposals for 20 minute papers, 10 minute lightning talks, panel discussions, online workshops, and creative proposals outside the usual paper/panel formats (e.g. videos, animations, zines and accompanying talks/discussions, creative outputs).
We welcome proposals from PGR and MRes students as well as research professionals, those based outside academia, and experienced researchers.
Contributions may address, but are not restricted to, the following themes:
- Methodology and Participation
- Dissemination and Accessibility
- Politics and Power
- Community Engagement
- Organisations, Skills, and Resources
Find out more and submit your proposal through the form linked on our webpage: https://sheffield.ac.
Deadline: midnight on 30th May 2026.
We look forward to seeing your proposals.
All the very best,
Alice.
Dr Alice Howarth (she/her)
Open Research Manager
The University Library
University of Sheffield
