New FCT Policy on Open Access to Scientific Publications promotes the visibility of scientific output

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) launches its new Policy on Open Access to Scientific Publications resulting from research funded by the FCT, which represents a significant revision and update of the mechanisms in place since 2014.

This new policy, applicable to funding for which the application period ends after February 7, 2025, is intended for scientific articles, books, book chapters, monographs, doctoral theses, and master's dissertations, embodying the understanding that publicly funded research, such as those granted by FCT as part of its mission, should produce results that are in the public domain, freely accessible, and reusable by all. This enhances scientific cooperation and the advancement of science, while also promoting greater visibility for scientific output and its authors.

The documents available online include detailed information on the rights retention strategy and specific FAQs for publishing articles, theses, or books. A supportwebsite has also been created to assist researchers throughout the entire process, right up to open access publication.

Depending on the type of scientific publication, there are different routes for open access publication: the Gold Route, which corresponds to immediate open access publication in a journal, book, or publishing platform; the Green Route, which refers to open access publication in an RCAAP network repository of an article or book published in closed access; or the Transformative Route, which allows open access publication in a hybrid journal under a transformative agreement.

In the case of the publication of a doctoral thesis or master's dissertation funded by FCT, there are two publication models available: National Degree, when the degree is awarded by a Portuguese institution; and Foreign Degree, when it is awarded by a foreign institution. When the academic degree is obtained at a Portuguese institution, it is up to the institution to deposit the thesis or dissertation in an RCAAP network repository within 60 days from the date the degree is awarded. When the academic degree is obtained from a foreign institution, it is the author's responsibility to deposit their thesis or dissertation in an RCAAP repository within 60 days of the date on which the degree was awarded.

The policy is based on the principle of not allowing embargo periods for the availability of open access content and retaining rights over published content, which ensures that at least the accepted manuscript version is made available in open access.

The revision of the previous Policy is the result of experience gained from its application over the last 10 years, significant developments in the treatment of open access by institutions of which Portugal is a member, such as UNESCO and the European Union (EU), and also growing awareness of the benefits of open access publishing as a means of disseminating access to knowledge. The scope of this revision is also guided by the FCT's adherence to Plan S, promoted by cOAlition S and supported by Science Europe.