OSPARK Bootcamp

When: June 10 - July 25, 2026
Where: Hybrid (Online and Munich, Germany)
Language: English
Sign Up: https://events.digital-research.academy/event/131/registrations/82/
Event Website: https://events.digital-research.academy/event/131/

The OSPARK bootcamp is all about creating visibility through outreach and marketing. It's a learning opportunity for people working in or leading Open Research initiatives, services or infrastructures. The bootcamp focuses on the needs of Open Research ambassadors and provides ample space to exchange ideas and learn from one another.

This bootcamp consists of a 6-week online course and a 2-day onsite workshop in Munich, Germany.

Online course participants can expect:

• Emails with information and tasks (including workbooks) every Tuesday and Thursday.
• One 15-minute check-in per week with another participant (your buddy) to exchange about problems and questions.
• A 1-hour online session per week with an expert who answers questions and facilitates the group discussion.

All in all, please expect to work about 3 hours per week on the online course. You will spend much of that time on your initiative's outreach, not just on learning.

At the 2-day onsite workshop we will tackle common challenges and work together on promoting the wonderful initiatives, services, and infrastructures you are building.

Venue
The onsite workshop will be held at LMU Munich. Details on the location will be provided to the participants.

Important Dates

• March 2026: Participation applications open
• March 29, 2026: Early notifications of participation
• May 10, 2026: General participation applications close
• May 20, 2026: Notifications of participation for general applicants
• June 10 – July 15: Online course
• July 23 – July 25: Onsite workshop in Munich

For more details, check out the event website.

Free participation
Funding for running the OSPARK bootcamp is provided by the OSCARS project.

Travel Stipends for Onsite Workshop
We are able to offer a few stipends to support participants with travel and hotel costs in the range of €200–500.

Inclusive Event
We as organizers aim to make this event as inclusive as possible. Please let us know about your needs in the registration form.

Research
As a participant, you will be asked to take part in some research evaluating the course. More information will be provided closer to the time.

Organizers
The OSPARK Bootcamp is organized by the Digital Research Academy and OLS, funded via the OSCARS project. The onsite workshop is held in collaboration with the LMU Open Science Center.