The University of Manchester has published the October 2026 edition of its Open Research Digest, bringing together updates on open research activity, support services, policy changes and upcoming opportunities. The monthly newsletter is aimed at readers following open research news at the university and beyond.
Key facts
- The October 2026 Open Research Digest was published on 29 October 2026.
- The issue includes a spotlight on the university’s Research Indicators service and its bibliometric analysis support.
- The digest says the university will respond to UKRI’s new research data policy.
- The Open Access Monograph competition for this year has launched, alongside the winners of the 2025-26 competition.
- The newsletter also includes updates on the Quarterly Plan, reflections from the OASPA conference and training opportunities.
What does this mean for researchers and staff at Manchester?
For researchers and staff, the digest points to practical support and decisions that may affect publishing, data management and open research planning. The Research Indicators service is being highlighted for bibliometric analysis support, while the university is preparing its response to UKRI’s new research data policy.
The issue also flags a current opportunity to apply for the Open Access Monograph competition, and it notes that the university is sharing outcomes from its last quarter alongside goals for the quarter ahead. Readers can also expect information on training and development opportunities in the full issue.
What is included in the October 2026 Open Research Digest?
The digest brings together several strands of open research activity. It highlights the Research Indicators service, which supports bibliometric analysis to help researchers understand the reach and impact of their work and the university’s wider research profile. It also points to the university’s response to UKRI’s new research data policy.
Alongside policy and support updates, the newsletter announces the launch of this year’s Open Access Monograph competition and includes the winners of the 2025-26 competition. The issue also covers progress from the previous quarter and the open research goals for the quarter ahead.
Additional features include reflections from the recent OASPA conference, as well as regular updates on training and development opportunities.
Why does this issue matter now?
This month’s digest matters because it combines practical support, policy preparation and funding or publishing opportunities in one place. Researchers looking for help assessing the reach of their work may find the Research Indicators service relevant, while those interested in open access publishing can follow the monograph competition update.
The mention of temporary disruption to some University web content for external users may also affect readers trying to access the full issue or related pages, although the university says it expects this to be resolved soon.
How can readers stay updated?
The university says readers can subscribe to the Open Research Digest to receive it in their inbox each month. It also invites contributors to share thought pieces, open research news or event and initiative promotions with the Office for Open Research.
Readers who want the full context can read the October 2026 issue online, where the university says all the news, resources and opportunities are available.
