An Open Science Policy for Chemnitz University of Technology
Easier Access to Knowledge - Event at University Library´s "Ideenreich" during International Open Access Week
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Open Access at Chemnitz University of Technology
Free access to scientific knowledge is a fundamental human right. In reality, however, this is countered by a drastic and continuous increase in the cost of accessing and disseminating knowledge. Under the theme “The Cost of Knowledge,” we will therefore explore the following questions: Why is this the case? What mechanisms are driving this trend? Together, we would like to find ways to ensure that our research remains a freely accessible public good and to determine how Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC) can best support you in this endeavor.
That is why, during this year’s International Open Access Week on October 20, 2026, the first draft of an Open Science Policy for Chemnitz University of Technology will be presented to the members of the university for the first time at the “Ideenreich” in the University Library. As part of this informational and discussion event, Professor Strobel, Vice Rector for Research and University Development, will explain the policy’s development process. In addition, the topics of the policy will be briefly outlined to illustrate what Open Science at Chemnitz University of Technology might look like in the future. Afterward, you will have the opportunity to share your ideas on implementing Open Science at TUC. This event will be in German only.
This year´s Open Access Week program features many more interesting events, some of them organized by the ACROSS Alliance, including sessions on current topics such as Responsible Research Assessment and Diamond Open Access. Furthermore, you can play “OA Poly” at the University Library on several days. This interactive game offers a fun introduction to the serious issues surrounding open-access publishing. Join us as we navigate our way to the finish line along paths of different colors.
Background: Open Access and Open Science
The open-access movement has been around for more than 20 years, primarily as a response to significant shortcomings in the existing scientific system: skyrocketing prices charged by commercial publishers have locked publicly funded research behind expensive paywalls. In addition, the replication crisis revealed that many study results in psychology and medicine could not be replicated.
Digitization offers new opportunities for academia, as Open Science encompasses a broad range of practices designed to address these challenges. In addition to open access to publications, these include the provision of data (Open Data), educational materials (Open Educational Ressources), and software (Open Data); the transparent documentation of methods, including the pre-registration of studies; and the involvement of the public through citizen science and participatory research.
Programme of this year´s „Open Access Week 2026“ at Chemnitz University Library: https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/ub/openscience/veranstaltung/oaweek.html.en
Contact the Open Science Team at Chemnitz University Library, which also offers specialized consulting services: Ute Blumtritt, Phone 0371 531-31290, E-Mail os@bibliothek.tu-chemnitz.de
(Author: Carolin Zapke)
Detlef Gürtler
13.10.2026
