Open Research Working Group (ORWG) at LSE
Fostering an open and inclusive culture
Learn about the Open Research Working Group at LSE.
What is open research?
Open research, sometimes known as open science, is the process of transparently sharing research outputs, methods, and materials throughout the research process under terms that enable reuse and redistribution, where possible (see this primer on open research drafted by the UK Reproducibility Network).
Open research will look different in different disciplines, and researchers will be motivated to make their research openly available for different reasons, from reproducibility to increasing accessibility.
What is the Open Research Working Group?
The Open Research Working Group (ORWG) at LSE is an informal group of researchers, academics, and professional services staff from across LSE. The aim of the ORWG is to provide strategic direction for open research support at LSE, and to foster a culture of open, transparent, inclusive, and collaborative research across the School. This includes overseeing relevant policies and training, identifying opportunities and initiatives, and sharing practical guidelines and checklists for open and transparent research in social science.
The ORWG recognises the rich diversity of different social sciences at LSE, and of different views and motivations to adopt open research practices in each discipline in the School.
The ORWG acts as the Local Network for the UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN). LSE's local network of the UKRN was founded by some members of the ORWG in 2019 as a grassroots network at LSE to discuss reproducibility issues across the social sciences.
The ORWG discusses how to create, share, and disseminate best practices to advance openness, transparency, integrity, and reproducibility of social sciences research in the School and beyond.
The ORWG also aims to increase awareness of open research and supports a wider community of interested researchers and staff who may contribute to specific events, initiatives, and training opportunities.
Members of the ORWG have the opportunity to share ideas and resources, engage in open discussions about meta-research, and learn from each other in a supportive and stimulating environment. The ORWG meets termly and regularly hosts workshops, seminars, and discussions on various topics related to open research, which are open to all at LSE.
OWRG members
The ORWG is comprised of researchers and professional services staff with an interest in Open Research and a commitment to enact change across LSE.
ORWG Terms of Reference
The Open Research Working Group reports to the School’s Research Committee on an ad-hoc basis and when major changes to the School’s approach to Open Research are proposed.
Read the ORWG Terms of Reference [PDF]
Past events
View past event recordings on YouTube