UQ adopts open access policy for research

The University of Queensland (UQ) is moving to ensure the results of its research are widely available.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Max Lu said UQ had adopted a policy to make its research outputs more accessible, in line with the open-access policies of research funding bodies that seek to increase the benefits of the research they fund.

“This policy aims to ensure that anyone, anywhere has access to our research results,” Professor Lu said.

“Open access provides a means to help achieve international recognition through making high-quality research more visible and accessible.”

“Wider access to UQ research can stimulate research collaboration, create opportunities for early career researchers and enhance the University’s research environment.”  

The new policy sets out requirements for UQ researchers to make publications resulting from their research openly available on UQ eSpace as soon as possible following acceptance of the publication, taking account of any restrictions imposed by publishers.

The policy and its implementation will be overseen by Professor Lu and University Librarian Mr Bob Gerrity.

Mr Gerrity said there was increasing support worldwide for making research outputs openly accessible.

“It is widely acknowledged that open access to research outputs boosts both the impact of that research and the benefit to society,” he said.

The policy follows Australian Research Council (ARC) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) policies.

There have been several important developments in open access around the world.   

• Last year the Obama administration introduced a policy in the United States requiring open access for publications and data arising from research funded by all major US research agencies.  
• The European Commission has an open data and open access strategy. 
• In the UK, the Wellcome Trust and Research Councils UK have implemented similar requirements for research publications arising from research they fund.

Professor Lu said more than 175 universities throughout the world had adopted open access policies.

“Among the Group of Eight universities, UQ and the Australian National University (ANU) have taken the lead on adopting open access policies,” he said.

The UQ Library will administer the policy and library staff will work with unit publications officers to ensure compliance with open access requirements.

Media: communications@uq.edu.au, 3365 1120.

General information: openaccess@library.uq.edu.au.