The new Research Repository provides a mechanism through which to promote and preserve all of Loughborough’s research outputs on a single platform. The new system enables access to a comprehensive range of research outputs such as articles, e-theses, data and images, promoting research visibility and discoverability across the disciplines.

It features improved visual design and functionality which will enhance the preservation and long-term accessibility of research and integrates better with LUPIN; providing enhanced support for the University’s REF submission.

It is also the first unified Figshare repository in the UK and updating this core, library-managed, University service allows for enhanced integration with other institutional systems and greater partnership working to support a culture of Open Research.

Director of Library Services Emma Walton said: “I am really proud of the work done to implement this new system and excited by the opportunities it will bring for supporting our University’s commitment to Open Research.”

Almost 1,000 votes were cast to decide the winners of the CALIBRE Awards – which recognise the excellent work undertaken across both campuses – with the theme of this cycle being Open Research.

The shortlisted projects chose Open Research methods which freely shared their methodology, resources, data or software to stimulate wider dialogue and collaboration, while enhancing impact.

From a strong field of contenders, the winners were Dr Steven Firth and Professor Tarek Hassan from the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering for the collaborative REFIT project (2012-15).

REFIT explored ways to encourage uptake of retrofit technology measures in a bid to reduce household energy demand and costs.

The REFIT Smart Home dataset is open access, and is accompanied by a XML schema that provides a blueprint for researchers to collect their own additional primary data and report it using the REFIT approach.

Professor Steve Rothberg, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), commented: “Very many congratulations to all of our finalists.

“The Awards have again shone a spotlight on the quality and diversity of our research. This time, they have also highlighted our commitment to the Open Research agenda which I believe will transform the way academic research is planned and communicated over the next decade.

“I’m very excited by our Position Statement and I really hope colleagues will take the time to read it and think about the many benefits that ‘open’ can bring to our research.”