Logistics

Find out about our proposed logistics of running and participating in the Ambassadors program

Below we have answered some questions about how the Ambassadors programme is be structured. Jump straight to one of the questions or go through them all!

How many Ambassadors will take part in the program?

We will look to engage about 4-6 Ambassadors per year. The number of Ambassadors may evolve in future iterations of the programme.

What will the Ambassadors be working on?

In line with the aims of the Open Neuroimaging Project, the Ambassadors will work to increase the uptake of open science practices among OxCIN researchers. This will be achieved by creating and delivering training material for our infrastructure, and shaping the growth and direction of our community activities so that we can best meet the needs of OxCIN researchers. Ambassadors will be encouraged to pursue projects which interest them, and stretch, grow or capitalise on their existing skills as they choose.

How will the Ambassadors work together?

While working on creating documentation, we envisage teams of two people or more working on some of the four focus areas of i) MR protocols, ii) tasks, iii) analysis, and iv) data. Others may work explicitly on community building and policy. In all these efforts, all Ambassadors will be invited to contribute to the material and interests of other teams, if they wish.

Ambassadors will be encouraged to work openly and publish their work-in-progress via GitLab. Training will be given to ensure all Ambassadors are comfortable and confident with this process.

Ambassadors will be encouraged to join 30-60 minute update and co-working calls, where we will work together on documentation and projects. Calls will take place on MS Teams and we will use hackmd.io to write collaborative notes during the call, using markdown so they can be saved directly to a git repository. We may use padlet for creative exercises. Take a look at the programme schedule to see how our calls will be structured.

How long will Ambassadors be in-post for?

The programme will run for roughly one calendar year. All recruited Ambassadors will be expected to remain engaged with the programme for this period, and should have confirmed posts as OxCIN members for the whole period.

Who can be an Ambassador?

Anyone! Student, postdoc, core staff, professional services, PI…!

You do not need to have any knowledge or experience of open science. All we ask is that you are interested in contributing your time and energy to support the development of others. But this is not an entirely altruistic affair! By participating in this programme we expect you will directly benefit in ways which are valuable to your career development and skills as a researcher. It should also be a fun and rewarding experience!

How can I become an Ambassador?

A competitive application for the 2026 cohort will be launched in November 2025. As part of the application you will be expected to describe why you are interested in becoming and Ambassador, what you will bring to the Ambassadors team and wider community, and what you will gain from being an Ambassador. You will also be asked to confirm that you have discussed the programme with your Supervisor or Line Manager and they have approved your participation.

What is expected of Ambassadors

Take a look at the expectations of Ambassadors to learn more about the time commitments of participation.