The U.S. Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), part of the Executive Office of the President, is looking for feedback on how to broaden public access to research publications, datasets, and software code that arise from federal funding. More than $135 billion is awarded every year in federal research and development funding. Free public access to the ensuing results improves both the impact and accountability of taxpayer-funded research.
Several Noble-laureate scholars have voiced their support for immediate open access to taxpayer-funded research. UCSF has also sent letters of support for immediate access on behalf of the Academic Senate, and the Library and the Vice Chancellor of Research. Such immediate, ‘zero-embargo’ access is one way OSTP may pursue an increase in public access. Under the current public access policies for federal agencies, articles are not required to be made publicly accessible until twelve or more months after publication, data sharing policies are not yet in place for all agencies, and software code is not addressed.
Make your voice heard
Individuals are encouraged to submit comments to the OSTP’s Request for Information. Sample language is available from template letters with instructions to help researchers, patient advocates, and other stakeholders send responses. Responses should be sent to to publicaccess@ostp.eop.gov by May 6, 2020 (extended deadline).