Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications

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What are the chief requirements of the policy?

  • "Any peer-reviewed journal publications arising from Agency-supported research are freely accessible within 12 months of publication."
    • Applies to NSERC and SSHRC grants awarded May 1, 2015 and onward.
    • Applies to CIHR grants awarded January 1, 2008 and later.

It is the responsibility of the researcher to ensure the policy is followed.

See: "Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications".

How can I make my publications open access?

There are three routes to meet the policy's requirements:

  1.  Deposit a version of your article in an open access repository.
    • This may be either one specialized for your discipline or one run by your institution.
    • Researchers should ensure their author agreements permit this option
    • The version you deposit, must be "the final full-text peer-reviewed manuscript (the post-print) or the published version where allowable. The final full-text peer-reviewed manuscript must include all tables, figures, images and appendices."
  2. Publish in an open access journal.
  3. Publish in a subscription journal and pay an OA fee 

Does posting to my website or ResearchGate count as open access? 

No it does not.

The Tri-Agency FAQ states: "Although making articles available on a personal website is permissible, the Agencies require that a copy also be made available through an online repository or journal within 12 months to reach a broad audience more effectively and to ensure long-term accessibility."

See also: How to make your research open access.

Where can I get more information?

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