Increased immediate open access to federally funded US research
NEWS
New recommendations in the US aim to have all federally funded research published with immediate open access by 2026. The policy applies to research publications and associated data (to the extent permitted by law).
Text: Sanna Isabel Ulfsparre
On 25 August, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) updated US policy guidelines for federally funded research. The new recommendations state that research publications and related data should be made freely available immediately upon publication - to the extent that this is consistent with the law. The change should be implemented by 31 December 2025 at the latest. OSTP also recommend federal agencies establish transparent procedures that ensure scientific and research integrity is maintained in public access policies.
The recommendation for immediate open access means that public access to current research results is expected to increase. The US taking this clear line may also impact publishers' embargo rules for research publications and data. The recommendations' emphasis on equitable and immediate open access is in line with the European Plan S initiative and the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science.
