Member Article

Publicy-funded research to be made available

In a speech to the Publishers Association annual general meeting, David Willetts set out the Government’s plans for public access to publicly-funded research.

In his speech, the Minister of State for Universities and Science talked of the UK’s strong track record in science and research, second in its range and volume only to the US.

He said: “Our starting point is very simple. The Coalition is committed to the principle of public access to publicly-funded research results.

“That is where both technology and contemporary culture are taking us. It is how we can maximise the value and impact generated by our excellent research base.

“As taxpayers put their money towards intellectual enquiry, they cannot be barred from then accessing it. They should not be kept outside with their noses pressed to the window – whilst, inside, the academic community produces research in an exclusive space.

“The Government believes that published research material which has been publicly financed should be publicly accessible – and that principle goes well beyond the academic community.”

He went on to say there must be a right to “roam freely across the achievements of publicly-funded UK research.”

He continued: “I realise this move to open access presents a challenge and opportunity for your industry, as you have historically received funding by charging for access to a publication.

“Nevertheless that funding model is surely going to have to change even beyond the positive transition to open access and hybrid journals that’s already underway.

“To try to preserve the old model is the wrong battle to fight. Look at how the music industry lost out by trying to criminalise a generation of young people for file sharing.

“It was companies outside the music business such as Spotify and Apple, with iTunes, that worked out a viable business model for access to music over the web. None of us want to see that fate overtake the publishing industry.

“Wider access is the way forward. I understand the publishing industry is currently considering offering free public access to scholarly journals at all UK public libraries.

“This is a very useful way of extending access: it would be good for our libraries too, and I welcome it.”

The importance of data mining was acknowledged, and Mr Willetts said consideration would be given as to how to advance UK capability.

An investment of £2m in the development of a UK “Gateway to Research” portal will also allow greater public access to Research Council-funded research information.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .