The Research Council's Principles for Open Access to Scientific Publications
An important research policy objective is to ensure that the results of publicly funded research are available to the public. Scientific publications based on R&D projects funded wholly or partially by the Research Council must be made openly accessible to all interested parties. To achieve this objective, the Research Council will work to take full advantage of the potential found in digital media and infrastructure to disseminate and quality assure research results.
The Research Council's requirements for open access to scientific publications
Open access to scientific publications entails substantial benefits for society. In the open access principles adopted in January 2009, the Research Council therefore requires that peer-reviewed scientific articles based on research funded wholly or partially by the Research Council are self-archived in appropriate repositories whenever these are available. The requirement to self-archive must not, however, conflict with the author's academic or legal rights.
Self-archiving: Infrastructure and user perspective
Scientific journal articles that meet the requirements must be stored in an open electronic repository, either at the institution with which the researcher is affiliated or in a subject-specific archive. In most cases a post-print version of the article is stored. If the author has published in a journal that does not permit self-archiving and has not obtained permission from the publisher to do so after having made such a request, the author may be exempted from the self-archiving requirement.
Implementation, cooperation and advice
The requirements laid down in the open access principles will be implemented as part of the Research Council's general guidelines and contracts this year. These principles will apply to projects awarded grants in connection with funding announcements issued for the 4 June 2009 application deadline and all calls for proposals after this date.
Open access publishing is under continual development, and in the long run may lead to major changes in publication patterns and practices in research and academia. It is crucial that the Research Council's principles reflect this development and are open to adaptation should circumstances call for it. To ensure that the principles promote the objective of open access to scientific publications at all times, the Research Council must engage in productive dialogue about the principles with relevant institutions and partners.
Download the open access principles from the box on the right.
- Published:
- 30.04.2009
Attachments
Contact
- Rune Rambæk Schjølberg Senior Adviser 22 03 70 50 rrs@forskningsradet.no
