Science Europe Position Statement

Abstract

Another area in which Horizon 2020 can make a real difference is Open Access. Open Access to the results of publicly-funded research will have clear benefits for the research community, for industry, and for the public, as all research and innovation builds on the capacity of scientists, research institutions, businesses and citizens to openly access, share and use scientific information.Science Europe’s member organisations are convinced that publication and dissemination are an integral part of the research process. Scientific publications together with the underlying datasets (if applicable) are often the most important results of any research project.Science Europe advocates that Open Access shall apply in all areas of Horizon 2020. With regard to dissemination through research publications, Open Access shall apply as a default policy with the aim of free of charge, on-line public access to EU-funded research publications. Horizon 2020 should make provisions that allow and ensure different models of Open Access publishing, including both the ‘Golden Road’ and the ‘Green Road’ to fully and freely accessible publications.The role and operation of digital infrastructures and repositories for the visibility and dissemination of Horizon 2020 research results should be strengthened. Together, these measures will not only ensure that findings are communicated more quickly, but also facilitate an open exchange of scientific results, thereby increasing the benefits of the relevant investments for as large a circle as possible. We consequently strongly welcome the Commission’s proposed policy on Open Access to research results from EU-funded research.