ASAPbio provided the following response to the OSTP RFI on Public Access to Peer-Reviewed Scholarly Publications, Data and Code Resulting From Federally Funded Research (85 FR 12949). The deadline has been extended to May 6.
Re: Request for Information: Public Access to Peer-Reviewed Scholarly Publications, Data and Code Resulting From Federally Funded Research (85 FR 12949)
Dr. Nichols,
ASAPbio is a biologist-driven 501(c)(3) working to promote transparency and innovation in life sciences publishing. Specifically, we organize convenings, generate resources, and build community capacity to advance the use of preprints and open peer review.
We believe that open access to peer-reviewed publications, code, and data is necessary to maximize the benefits from American investment in science and technology, advancements in which depend on access to existing knowledge. In order to preserve American scientific leadership and competitiveness, taxpayer-funded research must be openly available to researchers and entrepreneurs. Furthermore, physicians and patients should not be barred from accessing the latest peer-reviewed findings so they can stay up-to-date on health conditions as they are today.
The current COVID-19 pandemic highlights this point. Recent decisions by subscription-based publishers to make related work temporarily available for the duration of the emergency demonstrate the broad consensus that open access serves the public good and can accelerate science. Now is the time to build on this momentum, so that for all federally-funded research programs, all publications are immediately accessible for all time.
We therefore support proposals that federal agencies eliminate the twelve-month post-publication embargo period, ensuring immediate access to research outputs. ASAPbio also supports the development of funder policies to strongly encourage or require preprint deposition, especially when integrated with complementary changes in assessment practices. However, we also emphasize that preprint mandates are a supplement, not a substitute, for making final, peer-reviewed articles publicly accessible.
We are happy to provide further information or participate in discussions concerning any of these topics.
Sincerely,
Jessica Polka
Executive Director, ASAPbio
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