Any Lancaster students or staff involved in open research are invited to apply for this newly established award.

Have you been involved in a project or initiative that aims to make research more openly accessible, transparent or reproducible? Whether an academic or professional services member of staff, or a student, the University Library’s Open Research Service wants to hear from you.

The Elaine Sykes Open Research Award recognises the efforts of the University community in undertaking open research practices and approaches that facilitate more equitable access to knowledge, within and beyond academia.

The award is dedicated to the memory of Elaine Sykes, Head of Open Research in the Library between 2022 and 2025. Andrew Barker, Director of Library Services, said: “We are delighted to announce this annual award dedicated to the memory of our dear colleague Elaine Sykes. Elaine was widely respected for their contributions to facilitating a more equitable scholarly publishing environment and advancing new ways of facilitating open research. The award provides the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of colleagues who are practicing open research.

Nicolas Race, Director for Research Culture, said: “The University's commitment to the principles of open research is a core part of our prevailing research culture. This award will highlight the contributions of our staff and students to making research more accessible and transparent, whilst also commemorating the contributions of our colleague Elaine Sykes to advancing open research.”

Who can apply?

The award is open to all Lancaster University research, teaching and professional services staff and all students. Entries can explore the challenges and difficulties of making research open, as well as positive experiences and successful outcomes.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a case study demonstrating how open research practices have enhanced the transparency, accessibility, or reproducibility of their work. Examples of potential case studies can be found on the award information webpages.

All valid case studies will be published open access by the Library to serve as a resource for other researchers.

Recognition and prizes

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to deliver a flash talk at a university-wide open research event on Wednesday 27 May 2026, where the final winners will be announced.

Winners of the award will receive the opportunity to host an exhibition or event in the Library to showcase their research. They will also receive professional support to develop their case study into a full open access publication.

Further information

More information about the award can be found on the Library’s open research webpages.

The award is administered by the Lancaster University Library Open Research Service. Please contact openaccess@lancaster.ac.uk with any questions about the award.