Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about connecting industry with research on Open Research Network.
- What is Open Research Network?
- Open Research Network is a two-sided marketplace that connects industry with research. Companies post research briefs and R&D challenges, while researchers and research teams showcase their projects and expertise for industry uptake.
- How does Open Research Network work for companies?
- Companies create a profile and post a research brief describing their challenge or R&D need. Researchers on the platform can then respond, connect, and propose how they can help. It is free to browse and explore the network.
- How does Open Research Network work for researchers?
- Researchers create a profile, showcase their current and past projects, and make their expertise visible to companies actively seeking research partners. You can also browse and respond to industry research briefs posted on the platform.
- What industries does Open Research Network serve?
- Open Research Network is sector-agnostic. We connect industry and research across technology, health and biotech, energy and cleantech, manufacturing, finance, and every other sector. If your organisation has a research need, we can help you find the right partner.
- How is Open Research Network different from LinkedIn or ResearchGate?
- Unlike LinkedIn, ORN is purpose-built for industry-research collaboration — not general networking. Unlike ResearchGate, ORN serves industry as a first-class user, allowing companies to post briefs and actively find research partners, not just browse academic papers.
- Is Open Research Network free to join?
- You can join and browse the network for free. Visit the platform for current details on posting research briefs and premium features.
- What types of research collaboration are supported?
- The platform supports joint research, contract research, PhD sponsorship, consulting, grant partnerships, and advisory roles — across all sectors and disciplines.
- How do I post a research brief?
- Register as an industry partner, complete your organisation profile, and use the "Post a Project" feature to describe your R&D challenge. You can specify required expertise, budget, timeline, and the type of collaboration you are looking for.
- How are researchers verified?
- Researchers can verify their institutional affiliation via email domain matching or by uploading supporting documentation. Verified profiles are clearly badged, giving industry partners confidence in the expertise they are engaging with.
- Does Open Research Network handle contracts or agreements?
- No. Open Research Network is a discovery and connection platform. We do not draft, facilitate, or finalise contracts, partnership agreements, or funding arrangements. Each collaboration is unique, and the legal and institutional frameworks are handled by the parties involved — whether a university tech transfer office, legal team, or industry procurement function.