Comment on UKRI’s Open Access proposals

Today UK Research and Innovation launched its public consultation into its new Open Access policy.

Stephen Lotinga, CEO of the Publishers Association, said:

“Publishers support expanding Open Access for publicly-funded research. The best way to achieve greater openness is through a partnership involving researchers, funders, publishers and the wider academic community and we have repeatedly called on the Government – who hold ultimate responsibility for this policy – to help facilitate such consensus. The best outcome for UK research is delivered if all parts of the research ecosystem work together in facilitating this transition.

“We will use the consultation period to try to ensure remaining concerns around the time and flexibility needed are taken into account and that innovative solutions offered by publishers are not stifled. We hope that the evidence submitted by our sector will have a meaningful impact on the final policy.

“UK publishers stand ready to continue to play a crucial part in rapidly moving Open Access forward. This will require all parties to work collaboratively which we hope can be achieved as the review progresses, to the ultimate benefit of UK research.”