24 May 2023
From 1 January 2024, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)’s new open access policy will apply to monographs, book chapters and edited collections
The open access policy applied since April 2022 for peer-reviewed research articles acknowledging UKRI funding.
The policy aims to ensure that findings from research UKRI funds with public money can be accessed and built on by the research and innovation community and wider society.
New guidance
UKRI has published the following information to support UKRI-funded authors and research organisations to follow the new policy:
- guidance for researchers about our long-form open access requirements
- updated UKRI open access policy, including new guidance on using long-form policy exemptions
- information about UKRI’s dedicated long-form open access fund and other open access implementation updates
- updated guidance on accessing long-form open access funding before 2024
- updates to frequently asked questions about the policy, including the use of UKRI open access funding for transformative journals
Open access is less established for books and while open access is preferred there may be instances when open access publication is not feasible. Please refer to the guidance about when and how to apply one of the defined exemptions.
Funding for long-form publications
In autumn 2023, UKRI will open applications for a dedicated £3.5 million fund to support open access costs for monographs, book chapters and edited collections within scope of our policy.
The fund will support a range of open access models, including ‘diamond’ open access models and processing charges.
UKRI-funded researchers will be able to apply to UKRI via their research organisation for funding.
A two-stage process will ensure authors and their research organisations have confirmation that their outputs are in scope of the UKRI fund as they proceed with publishing agreements.
UKRI will then release funds upon notification of publication.
Changes for transformative journals
UKRI open access funds can currently be used for research article publication costs in hybrid journals (those that publish closed and open access articles) that have Jisc-approved transformative journal status.
Transformative journals were intended as a temporary measure to support journals to transition to full open access.
As detailed in our frequently asked questions, in line with other cOAlition S research funders, it will not be possible to use UKRI open access funds for publication in transformative journals after 31 December 2024.
This decision, based on the recommendation of the UK sector through Jisc’s strategic groups, aims to support the transition to full open access and ensures consistency with other funders.
Read more here