The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced an update to its open access policy, extending the scope to include monographs, book chapters, and edited collections. Starting from January 1, 2024, the new policy will ensure that research findings funded by UKRI, using public money, are accessible to the research and innovation community as well as society at large.
The open access policy, which initially applied to peer-reviewed research articles acknowledging UKRI funding since April 2022, aims to promote the accessibility and discoverability of research outputs, enabling their utilization and further advancements.
To assist UKRI-funded authors and research organizations in adhering to the new policy, UKRI has released comprehensive guidance, including details on long-form open access requirements and updated policy guidelines. The guidance also provides information on utilizing exemptions when open access publication is not feasible and highlights the availability of the dedicated long-form open access fund established by UKRI.
Recognizing that open access for books is less established compared to articles, UKRI acknowledges that there may be instances where open access publication is not feasible. Researchers are encouraged to refer to the guidance to determine when and how to apply the defined exemptions.
In the autumn of 2023, UKRI will launch a dedicated £3.5 million fund to support open access costs associated with monographs, book chapters, and edited collections falling within the policy's scope. The fund will encompass various open access models, including "diamond" open access and processing charges. UKRI-funded researchers can apply for funding through their research organizations, with a two-stage process ensuring confirmation of eligibility and subsequent release of funds upon publication notification.
Additionally, UKRI has announced changes regarding the use of open access funds for transformative journals. Currently, UKRI funds can be utilized for publication costs in hybrid journals with Jisc-approved transformative journal status. However, in alignment with other cOAlition S research funders, starting from December 31, 2024, UKRI funds will no longer be available for publication in transformative journals. This decision aims to support the transition to full open access and maintain consistency with other funding bodies.
To aid researchers and research organizations in preparing for the policy's implementation in January 2024, UKRI plans to engage research communities and stakeholders throughout 2023. As part of this initiative, a webinar is scheduled for June 15, specifically designed for staff at UKRI-funded research organizations who support researchers with open access. Interested individuals can register for the webinar to learn more about the new long-form policy.
UKRI is committed to improving the research information landscape and is collaborating with MoreBrains Cooperative to develop a roadmap for enhancing open access research information. In the coming months, workshops and roundtable discussions will be conducted to co-design the roadmap in collaboration with research and publishing sectors.
To assess the effectiveness of the open access policy, UKRI is working with Research Consulting to identify evaluation questions and approaches. The outcomes of this project, including the final monitoring and evaluation framework, will be published in the summer.
UKRI encourages researchers and individuals working in UKRI-funded research organizations to spread awareness of the new long-form policy and its implications.
As UKRI continues its commitment to open access, these updates signify a significant step toward facilitating broader access to research outputs and fostering collaboration and innovation within the research community.
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