Membership

While many organisations share the common goal of Open Access to the outputs from UK academic research, there are real differences in the ways in which they may see themselves pursuing that goal. Membership of the group needs to reflect that variety, and yet be small enough to be effective. It is proposed that the membership comprises senior representatives from:

• A small number of universities
• Universities UK
• Research Libraries UK
• SCONUL
• Research Councils UK and/or one or more Councils
• Wellcome Trust
• JISC
• A publisher who supports the aim of the group
• Association of Research Managers and Administrators
• Guild HE

Other organisations may be invited to join this group by agreement with existing members.

It is important that the group has senior representatives of these organisations if it is to achieve its aim. Some of its objectives may require dedicated task groups, whose membership would need to go beyond that of the main group, for example to include librarians, publishers and research managers.

Kitty Inglis (University of Sussex / SCONUL)

Kitty Inglis is currently Librarian at the University of Sussex and has over 25 years experience in a wide range of academic libraries, the last 12 of which have been at a senior managerial level. Her professional interests are wide ranging and include open access, research data management, customer service, leadership development and e-learning. She is Chair of the SCONUL Academic Content and Communication strategy group, represents SCONUL on the HEFCE UKRR Board, sits on the steering group of the M25 Consortium of Academic Libraries and is Chair of the 1994 Group Librarians.

Virginia Barbour (PLoS)

Public Library of Science is a non-profit organization of scientists and physicians committed to making the world’s scientific and medical literature a freely available public resource.
 
 

Ian Carter (Chair ARMA)

ARMA is the professional association for research managers and administrators in the UK. Our members work in a variety of organisations, including universities, funding bodies, the NHS and independent research organisations, as well as organisations providing services to research support offices. Our activities are focused on encouraging professional development and networking amongst research managers and administrators.

Mark Thorley (Research Councils)

Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK’s seven Research Councils, .  Each year the Research Councils invest around £3 billion in research covering the full spectrum of academic disciplines from the medical and biological sciences to astronomy, physics, chemistry and engineering, social sciences, economics, environmental sciences and the arts and humanities.

Chris Hale (UUK)

Universities UK (UUK) is the representative organisation for the UK’s universities.  Together with Higher Education Wales and Universities Scotland, its mission is to be the definitive voice for all universities in the UK, providing high quality leadership and support to its members to promote a successful and diverse higher education sector.

Martin Hall (VC Salford)

The University of Salford offers an exceptional learning environment for students, with strong opportunities in research, innovation, enterprise, employer and community engagement.  The University is playing a key role in re-connecting with local communities and creating economic and social value and believes that intense local engagement – social responsiveness – leads to academic excellence and international recognition.

Neil Jacobs (JISC)

JISC inspires UK colleges and universities in the innovative use of digital technologies, helping to maintain the UK’s position as a global leader in education. JISC provides: a world-class network – JANET; access to electronic resources;  new environments for learning, teaching and research; guidance on institutional change; advisory and consultancy services; regional support.

Robert Kiley (Wellcome Trust)

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation dedicated to achieving extraordinary improvements in human and animal health.  It supports the brightest minds in biomedical research and the medical humanities. Its breadth of support includes public engagement, education and the application of research to improve health.

Tim O’Shea (VC Edinburgh)

The mission of the University is the creation, dissemination and curation of knowledge. As a world-leading centre of academic excellence it aims to: enhance its position as one of the world’s leading research and teaching universities and to measure its performance against the highest international standards; provide the highest quality learning and teaching environment for the greater wellbeing of its students and to deliver an outstanding educational portfolio; produce graduates fully equipped to achieve the highest personal and professional standards; make a significant, sustainable and socially responsible contribution to Scotland, the UK and the world, promoting health and economic and cultural wellbeing.

Mark Patterson (eLife)

Mark Patterson in a new role as Managing Executive Director of eLife, the new top-tier, open access journal to be launched next year with the support of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Max Planck Society and the Wellcome Trust.

David Price (PVC(R) UCL)

UCL is a modern, outward-looking institution, committed to engaging with the major issues of our times. One of the world’s leading multidisciplinary universities, UCL today is a true academic powerhouse.

Phil Sykes (Chair RLUK)

RLUK’s vision is that the UK should have the best research library support in the world.  RLUK’s mission is to work with our members and with our partners, nationally and internationally, to shape and to realise the vision of the modern research library.

Andy Westwood (GuildHE)

GuildHE is a recognised representative organisation within the higher education sector.  GuildHE is an inclusive body, a key advocate for institutional diversity across higher education and a champion for the high quality and distinctive educational provision its members offer.

 

Term

The group will exist for as long has its members agree that it adds value to their work. It is not anticipated to be permanent.

Support

JISC will support the group in the organisation of meetings (working with other members) and taking forward of agreed actions. However, the hope is that the group’s work will be shared across member organisations.

The group will not have a dedicated budget. Where specific work is identified, then member organisations will be asked to contribute. JISC and RLUK have committed in principle to contribute in this way, and other such commitments will be invited.