No Subscriptions. Pay Only on Success.
Open Research Network is free to join and use. When an introduction we facilitate leads to a paid engagement, a success fee applies — calculated on a progressive tiered scale.
1. Free to Join & Connect
Create a profile, browse projects, and connect with researchers or organisations — no upfront cost.
2. We Track the Introduction
When you connect through ORN, we record the introduction with a 24-month protected period (from the date of last contact, which resets with each new interaction).
3. Report the Engagement
If the introduction leads to a paid engagement (consulting, research, sponsorship), report it with the agreed value.
4. Pay the Success Fee
A progressive tiered fee applies to the total engagement value (cash + in-kind). The rate decreases as the value increases.
The fee is calculated progressively — each tier's rate applies only to the portion of the engagement value that falls within that tier. This means larger engagements have a lower effective rate.
| Tier | Value Range | Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1: $0 – $20,000 | $0 – $20,000 | 6% |
| Tier 2: $20,000 – $250,000 | $20,000 – $250,000 | 3% |
| Tier 3: $250,000+ | $250,000+ | 1.5% |
Example: A $300,000 engagement with the schedule above would cost:
- Tier 1: $0 – $20,000: $20,000 × 6% = $1,200
- Tier 2: $20,000 – $250,000: $230,000 × 3% = $6,900
- Tier 3: $250,000+: $50,000 × 1.5% = $750
- Total success fee = $8,850
ORN operates on a pure introduction-and-success-fee model. There are no subscription fees or upfront charges. When an ORN introduction leads to a paid or in-kind engagement between the introduced parties, a success fee is payable to ORN calculated as a progressive percentage of the total engagement value. The fee is non-refundable once the engagement is confirmed, except for a 50% partial refund if cancelled before work commences (within 12 months of invoice). The fee obligation applies regardless of any prior relationship between the parties, how they communicate, or whether they transact through this platform, and survives the 24-month protected period for any engagement that commenced during it.
Protected period: 24 months from last contact date. The period resets each time the parties make contact. The protected period remains in force, and any unpaid remainder of a success fee remains payable even after it expires — including where the parties re-engage.