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NIH Public Access Policy

This guide provides an overview of the NIH Public Access Policy and guidelines for ensuring your research publications are in compliance.

What is the policy?

The Public Access Policy guarantees public access to the results of NIH-funded research. It mandates that scientists submit final, peer-reviewed journal manuscripts stemming from NIH funding to the PubMed Central digital library. This ensures that these manuscripts are freely accessible, supporting the advancement of science and the improvement of human health.

The Policy implements Division G, Title II, Section 218 of PL 110-161 (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008) which states:
SEC. 218. The Director of the National Institutes of Health shall require that all investigators funded by the NIH submit or have submitted for them to the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed Central an electronic version of their final peer-reviewed manuscripts upon acceptance for publication, to be made publicly available no later than 12 months after the official date of publication: Provided, That the NIH shall implement the public access policy in a manner consistent with copyright law.

When does the updated policy go into effect?

On December 17, 2024, NIH issued its updated Public Access Policy. The 2024 Public Access Policy is effective for manuscripts accepted for publication on or after July 1, 2025. Until then, NIH's current (2008) Public Access Policy remains in effect. 

What is the difference between the former policy and the updated policy?

The primary distinction between the 2008 policy and the 2024 update is that publication embargoes are no longer permitted, allowing for quicker public access to research.

Does this affect your research?

The public access policy applies to any manuscript that:

  • Is peer-reviewed, and;
  • Is accepted for publication in a journal on or after April 7, 2008, and;
  • Arises from:
    • Any direct funding from an NIH grant or cooperative agreement active in Fiscal Year 2008 or beyond, or;
    • Any direct funding from the NIH Intramural Program, or;
    • An NIH employee.

Enforcement

Non-compliance with the Policy, including failure to acknowledge federal funding in the manuscript, may be considered when making future funding decisions for the grantee or cause a delay in the continuation of non-competing grant awards.

Who can I contact with additional questions?

For questions related to author’s agreements, open publishing, or otherwise making your work publicly accessible, contact Assistant University Librarian for Instruction and Outreach, Jasmine Woodson.  

For questions related to grant writing, contact Director of Research Development, Kate Bullard.  

For questions related to grant administration, contact your Contract and Grants Specialist in the Office of Sponsored Research and Projects (OSRP).

For questions related to data management sharing plans, contact the LTS Data Management Support Team.