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Events

ULB Münster offers you a wide range of opportunities to expand your knowledge about open access and publishing. Our events will inform you about everything from the basics of scientific publishing and the importance of open access to practical tips and tools that will help you make your research accessible to a global audience.
We invite you to join our events to explore more about publishing and open access to knowledge. Feel free to stop by to stay up to date on upcoming events and workshops.

Open Access Week

The ULB Münster has participated every year since 2009 at the International Open Access Week. During the Open Access Weeks we will inform you about these and other topics:

Past events

  • 19.10.–25.10.2026: Open Access Week 2026

    This October marks the 17th International Open Access Week. The theme for 2026 is "The Cost of Knowledge".

    When thinking about open access, the first thing that comes to mind is certainly the sometimes very high costs of publishing articles or books in certain journals or with certain publishers. However, it also involves numerous other aspects, such as rising subscription fees for academic journals and the "hidden" costs of researchers' unpaid labor, the exclusion of entire regions of the world from the exchange of scientific information, the use of data for AI without the consent of its creators, science and data tracking by publishers, and the environmental impact of data centers.

    Knowledge is a human right. Therefore, it should not be treated as a commodity but as a public good: only in this way can a just and sustainable research culture be achieved.
    One way to achieve this is by making research results available via Open Access.
    Our website offers you an overview of "open" publication channels and the services we provide in this regard.
    Throughout the week of October 19 – 25, we will highlight one aspect each day for a brief introduction in the ULB News and on the FachBlog.
    Our teams are, of course, also happy to answer your questions about scholarly publishing – all year round!

       

  • 10.03.2026: 10:15–11:45 "Digital publishing and research data management – Strategies for a successful funding application"

    Digital data are generated in almost all academic work. Examples include measurement results, photographs or digital editions of historical texts. The responsible handling of such data is an integral part of good scientific practice, which is why third-party funding bodies now commonly require research data management to be addressed in project proposals. The lecture will present aspects that support the development of such a strategy: What tools exist to capture and manage research data in a structured way? Which storage solutions are available? How can data and research results be published digitally? What licenses are available for this? What opportunities and financial support are available for publishing Open Access? What services are offered by the University of Münster and the University and State Library (ULB)? 

    Date: 10.03.2026
    The lecture is integrated into the series "Third-party Funding in a Nutshell", which is organized by the SAFIR Research Funding Advisory Service.
    Facilitators: The event will be held by team members of the University and State Library of Münster and the Service Centre for Data Management (SCDM) which is located at the ULB.
    Venue: Zoom
    Target group: The event is aimed at all researchers at the University of Münster.

  • 22.01.2026: 09:00–12:00 "Support your research: From FAIR principles to qualitative data"

    The first part of the workshop will focus on key aspects of research data management, including the data lifecycle, the use of metadata, the FAIR principles, and the publication and preservation of research data. The second part will emphasise the handling of qualitative research data, such as scientific surveys or videos. In this section, we will address, for example, aspects of data anonymisation or the re-use of qualitative data. We will conclude with time for open discussion and a broad Q&A session.

    Facilitators: Dr Frank Berkemeier, Adienne Karsten-Welker (University and State Library of Münster (ULB))
    Venue: Zoom

  • 15.01.2026: 09:00–12:00 "Open Access & Co.: Publishing like a pro"

    This workshop will cover key aspects of academic publishing, beginning with the question: “What is Open Access, and why and how should you do it?” We will discuss author identification, relevant legal aspects, and options for publishing your thesis and other research results. You will also learn about the publishing services offered by the University library and how to avoid predatory pitfalls. The presentation of the various topics will alternate with Q&A sessions.

    Requirement: Participants will be asked to complete a short survey about their publication experience and interests in the workshop topic three weeks before the workshop, allowing  the facilitators to adjust the workshop topics to their specific needs.
    Facilitators: Wibke Fellermann, Dr Viola Voß (University and State Library of Münster (ULB))
    Venue: Zoom

  • 20.10.–26.10.2025: Open Access Week 2025

    This October marks the 16th International Open Access Week. This year's theme is "Who owns our knowledge?"

    The motto "takes a look at the current situation and raises the question of how communities – in a time of upheaval – can regain control over the knowledge they produce. It also challenges us to think not only about who has access to education and research, but also about how knowledge is created and shared, where it comes from, and whose voices are recognized and valued."

    As a university and state library, it is our fundamental concern to provide access to scientific information.
    During Open Access Week from October 20 to 26, you will therefore find our now "traditional" stand with information materials and posters in the foyer of the ULB Münster Central Library, and we will highlight a topic for a short presentation every day in the ULB news. Take this opportunity to learn more about open access!
    Of course, our website also offers an overview of various aspects of scientific publishing, and our teams will be happy to answer your questions on this broad field – all year round!

       

  • 29.09.2025: 10:15–11:45 "Digital publishing and research data management – Strategies for a successful funding application"

    Digital data are generated in practically all scientific work. Examples include measurement results, photos or digital editions of historical texts. The handling of such data is part of good scientific practice, which is why third-party funding bodies now almost invariably require this aspect to be addressed in project proposals. A clear strategy for the management and publication of research data and results is therefore crucial for a successful third-party funding application. The lecture will present aspects that should support the development of such a strategy: What tools exist to capture and manage research data in a structured way? Which storage locations are available? How can data and results be published digitally? What licenses are available for this? What opportunities and financial support are available for publishing Open Access? What support do the University of Münster and ULB offer? Target group: The event is aimed at all scientists of the University of Münster.

    Date: 29.09.2025
    The lecture is integrated into the series "Third-party Funding in a Nutshell", which is organized by the SAFIR Research Funding Advisory Service.
    Language: The event will be held in German.
    Facilitators: Adienne Karsten-Welker, Nicole Roloff, Wibke Fellermann

  • 05.03.2025: 10:15–11:45 "Digital publishing and research data management – Strategies for a successful funding application"

    Digital data are generated in practically all scientific work. Examples include measurement results, photos or digital editions of historical texts. The handling of such data is part of good scientific practice, which is why third-party funding bodies now almost invariably require this aspect to be addressed in project proposals. A clear strategy for the management and publication of research data and results is therefore crucial for a successful third-party funding application. The lecture will present aspects that should support the development of such a strategy: What tools exist to capture and manage research data in a structured way? Which storage locations are available? How can data and results be published digitally? What licenses are available for this? What opportunities and financial support are available for publishing Open Access? What support do the University of Münster and ULB offer? The event is in English.

    Date: 05.03.2025
    The lecture is integrated into the series "Third-party Funding in a Nutshell", which is organized by the SAFIR Research Funding Advisory Service.
    Language: The event will be held in English.

  • 16.01.2025: 10:00–12:00 "Research data management"

    The workshop will focus on central aspects of research data management. After a general introduction, practical examples will be given to provide best practices for participants’ own scientific work, such as publishing or sharing research data. Moreover, there will be time for discussions and a broad Q&A session.

    In particular, the following topics will be covered:

    1. Research data organization: keeping the track!
    2. Storage, preservation, and publication of research data
    3. Licenses for software, data(bases), and publications
    4. Dealing with data management plans
    5. Research data services at the University of Münster

    Objectives:

    • Become familiar with FAIR principles and the data lifecycle
    • Understand how to use metadata in daily scientific work
    • Get to know ways to publish and preserve research data
    • Know which licenses can be used for your data and publications
    • Learn how to set up data management plans
    • Get an overview of RDM services at the University of Münster

    Target group: doctoral and postdoctoral researchers
    Date: 16.01.2025
    Language: The event will be held in English.
    Facilitators: Dr. Frank Berkemeier, Wibke Fellermann

  • 15.01.2025: 09:00–12:00 "Digital publishing & open access"

    The workshop will cover key aspects of digital academic publishing. Examples from practice will illustrate the overview and provide impulses for participants’ own scientific work. The presentation of several topics will alternate with Q&A sessions:

    1. Open access: what and why?
    2. "Who am I, and if so... really that many?" – Author Identification
    3. Legal aspects: author contracts, licenses, secondary publishing rights
    4. My dissertation is finished – now how can I publish it?
    5. Your library is more than books: publishing and funding services by the library
    6. Watch out: predatory activities in science

    Objectives:

    • Get to know a variety of publication processes and be aware of the challenges and pitfalls of publishing
    • Be aware that there are, among others, important legal aspects to consider when publishing
    • Know how to submit and publish your dissertation
    • Learn about the publishing services offered by the library
    • Learn about the funding opportunities for your open access publications

    Target group: doctoral and postdoctoral researchers
    Date: 15.01.2025
    Language: The event will be held in English.
    Facilitators: Wibke Fellermann, Dr. Viola Voß

  • 21.10.–27.10.2024: Open Access Week 2025

    Under the motto "Community over Commercialization" the community will be informed in innovative ways about innovations and current developments in the field of open access to scientific results.
    Visit our website for an overview of Open Access Week 2024 and our offerings, and stay informed: During the week, you will find a stand on the topic of open access in the foyer of the University and State Library Münster (Central Library), where you can view personal statements from researchers at our university and pick up brochures and flyers. Take this opportunity to learn more about open access and hear from like-minded people who are equally committed to free access to scientific knowledge about the importance of open access.

    Poster presentation

  • 08.10.2024: 10:15–11:45 "Digital publishing and research data management. Strategies for a successful funding application"

    Digital data is generated in practically all scientific work. Examples include measurement results, photos or digital editions of historical texts. The handling of such data is part of good scientific practice, which is why third-party funding bodies now almost invariably require this aspect to be addressed in project proposals.
    A clear strategy for the management and publication of research data and results is therefore crucial for a successful third-party funding application. The lecture will present aspects that should support the development of such a strategy: What tools exist to capture and manage research data in a structured way? Which storage locations are available? How can data and results be published digitally? What licenses are available for this? What opportunities and financial support are available for publishing Open Access? What support do the University of Münster and ULB offer?

    Target group: The event is aimed at all scientists of the University of Münster.
    Dates: Regular, once per semester. The lecture is integrated into the series "Third-party Funding in a Nutshell", which is organized by the SAFIR Research Funding Advisory Service. The dates of the series as well as information on how to participate can be found on the SAFIR Research Funding Advisory website.
    Language: The event will be held in German.

  • 10.01.2024 & 10.07.2024: 09:00–12:00 "Good Scientific Practice: Open Access, digital publishing & ORCID"

    The workshop will cover key aspects of digital academic publishing. Examples from practice will illustrate the overview and provide impulses for the participants' own scientific work. The presentation of several topics will alternate with discussions and Q&A sessions:

    1. Open Access: what and why?
    2. "Who am I, and if so ... really that many?" – Author identification
    3. Legal aspects: author contracts, licenses, secondary publishing rights
    4. My dissertation is finished – now how can I publish it?
    5. Your library is more than books: publishing and funding services by the ULB
    6. Watch out: Predatory activities in science

    Target group: Doctoral candidates, postdocs
    Dates: Regular, once per semester. The lecture is integrated into the series "Good Scientific Practice", which is organized by the Münster Centre for Emerging Researchers (CERes). The dates of the series as well as information on how to participate can be found on the Münster Centre for Emerging Researchers (CERes).
    Language: Alternating between English and German language

  • 25.10.2023: 10:15–11:45 "Digital publishing and research data management. Open access publications and archiving options"

    Digital data accumulates in practically every scientific work, for example survey data, laboratory values or photos. Handling these data in a reliable and responsible way is part of good scientific practice and includes e.g. the planning of data collection as well as the storage, evaluation, publication and preservation of data.
    The lecture will deal with this "life cycle" of research data: Which expectations are placed on scientists? What should be considered regarding storage formats and locations? A second focus will be on the topic of Open Access: What exactly does Open Access mean, and how can research data and results be published digitally?  The presentation of the support the University of Muenster and the University Library offer for these questions will round off the event.

    Target group: The event is aimed at all scientists of the University of Münster.
    Dates: Regular, once per semester. The lecture is integrated into the series "Third-party Funding in a Nutshell", which is organized by the SAFIR Research Funding Advisory Service. The dates of the series as well as information on how to participate can be found on the SAFIR Research Funding Advisory website.
    Language: Alternating between English and German language

  • Open Access Week (2016 – 2026)