RCUK responds to the House of Lords inquiry report on open access

Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcomes the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee’s report on the implementation of Open Access and the Committee’s acknowledgement that this fast moving policy area is bringing significant change to scholarly publishing.

A key principle that underpins the RCUK Policy on Open Access is that the ideas and knowledge derived from publicly-funded research must be made available and accessible for public use, interrogation and scrutiny, as widely, rapidly and effectively as practicable. The Research Councils have a responsibility to ensure the widest possible dissemination of the research we fund, from academics to SMEs, and from the general public to individual innovators. With maximal openness and accessibility to the outputs of research comes maximal opportunity to read and to exploit research, and thus maximal opportunity for innovation. And from innovation comes growth, and benefit to the UK as a whole.

Read the full RCUK response to the Select Committee report

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Further information

Contact:
Katie Clark
Press & Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592 or email: Katie Clark

Notes to editors

1. The RCUK Policy on Open Access,supporting guidance and frequently asked questions are available from www.rcuk.ac.uk/research/Pages/outputs.aspx

2. Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils who annually invest around £3 billion in research. We support excellent research, as judged by peer review, that has an impact on the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. To maintain the UK’s global research position we offer a diverse range of funding opportunities, foster international collaborations and provide access to the best facilities and infrastructure around the world. We also support the training and career development of researchers and work with them to inspire young people and engage the wider public with research. To maximise the impact of research on economic growth and societal wellbeing we work in partnership with other research funders including the Technology Strategy Board, the UK Higher Education funding bodies, business, government, and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk.

   The seven UK Research Councils are:

   • Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
   • Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
   • Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
   • Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
   • Medical Research Council (MRC);
   • Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
   • Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).