FCT to implement Plan S

Plan S, promoted by Science Europe aims to ensure that all publications resulting from publicly funded research are published in open access journals or platforms, or made available through open access repositories without embargo.

Joining Plan S will make the results of scientific activity accessible to the entire scientific community, allowing the investment made by the FCT to contribute to the acceleration of knowledge.

This accession is particularly significant in the context of the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union, given that the main priorities in the area of research and development will be:

1) the relationship between science, employment and resilience;
2) open and collaborative research;
3) valuing research careers.

This last point includes a revision of the Code of Conduct geared towards embracing European research career development practices, with clear recommendations for Open Science principles.

In the context of FCT's activity, the open access envisaged by Plan S can be achieved in three ways:

-Publication in open access journals or platforms
-Immediate availability in open access repositories
-Open access publication under transformative agreements

With this accession, FCT reinforces the path it began in 2014 with the launch of its Open Access Policy to support the transition to Open Science. Throughout 2021, FCT will work to ensure the implementation of Plan S from January 1, 2022.

More information here.