Comment on the Finch update report

18 November 2013

In response to the update report from the Finch Group on open access to research, Dr Wendy Piatt, Director General of the Russell Group, said:

“As today’s report acknowledges our universities are working hard to open up access to their world-class research, even though the unmet cost implications of open access are significant. We estimate that funding set aside by the Research Councils will only cover ‘gold’ open access costs for around 10% of the publications from Russell Group universities.

“That is why we too see the importance of having a ‘mixed economy’ of open access types for the foreseeable future. The so-called ‘green’ route is far more cost-effective as a way of delivering open access. Academics should be free to publish their work in the most appropriate journals, regardless of open access route and licence requirements, to maintain the UK’s international reputation for research excellence.

“We look forward to hearing the Government’s response to this update report and the recent report by the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee.”

Notes to Editors

1. Gold open access requires the research author to pay additional charges up-front so that the research paper is free to access once published online.
2. Green open access requires no additional fees to be paid and the paper becomes open access after an embargo period set by the publisher. Before this time the paper can be accessed through journal subscription.

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