Early-career researchers spend years deepening their expertise — yet the workings of academic publishing often remain opaque. Publishing Unlocked reveals the formal rules and unwritten conventions that shape this terrain — helping early-career researchers climb its peaks and traverse its valleys with confidence. Through an engaging workshop, they gain the knowledge to publish successfully, meet funder mandates, and move their careers forward.
Discoveries not shared. PhDs delayed. An elusive tenure track. Lost funding. These are the hidden costs of a publishing system that the next generation of researchers may not fully understand. Publishing is the lifeblood of career progress — yet many emerging scholars approach it without knowing what editors and reviewers expect or how to navigate the process effectively. They lose momentum at a stage when success depends on visibility and speed.
Supporting early-career researchers in mastering this process strengthens more than individual careers — it advances the university’s research success, enhances compliance and credibility with funders, and strengthens its place in the international research community.
“Curt’s workshops are insightful, blending education and entertainment. He gives a nuanced overview of the publishing landscape.”Rachel Thomas, PhDDirector, Simula Academy
Publishing Unlocked is a four-hour, in-person workshop for early-career researchers (ECRs). Participants explore how publishing really works — from editorial decisions to funder mandates — and how to navigate it strategically.
Independent and research-based, the workshop builds publishing literacy by deepening participants’ understanding of the systems, incentives, and policies that shape academic publishing.
“I highly recommend Curt Rice’s workshops for better information about open access,Prof. Johan RooryckExecutive Director, cOAlition S
Plan S, rights retention, and more.”
Curt Rice has spent more than thirty years in academia, combining research, leadership, and advocacy for more open, transparent, and responsible publishing. As Rector first at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) and then at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), he championed open‑access publishing and researchers’ rights, including rights‑retention policies. Earlier, as Vice Rector for Research at the University of Tromsø (UiT), he expanded open‑access publishing and digital archiving in collaboration with the university library. He has also chaired national committees on research policy and diversity and currently serves as Executive Director of Fulbright Norway.
Curt’s experience gives Publishing Unlocked a unique foundation — practical insight into how publishing really works, from the perspectives of researcher, reviewer, editor, and policymaker.
“Curt Rice is an inspiring speaker with innovative perspectives. I enthusiastically recommend him.”Prof. Londa SchiebingerStanford University
If your institution is committed to helping early‑career researchers succeed, Publishing Unlocked is an engaging way to do just that. The workshop fits naturally into research‑training programs and delivers insight that benefits both researchers and their universities.