Open access

Information and guidance relating to open access, as well as to the relevant University and research funder policies.

About open access

What is open access?

Open access (OA) means free online access to research outputs such as journal articles and conference papers.

Find out more about open access

Applying for open access funding

Guidance on making an open access funding application, including information about options and eligibility.

View application guidance

Open access key terms

Definitions for some key terms relating to open access.

View key terms

Open access for books

Information about the various options for making monographs, edited collections and book chapters openly available.

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Plan S

Find out how Plan S aims to accelerate the transition to open access.

Read about Plan S

Policy information

University of Sheffield open access policies

Information about the University’s open access policies, including Research Publications and Copyright Policy.

View University open access policy

Open Research at Sheffield

Funder policies

A summary of the main points of the open access policies for some of the major funders of research at the University, plus news and updates relating to these policies.

View funder policy information

View the REF open access policy [staff access only]

View Open Access policy news

UKRI open access policy

Information and guidance relating to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)'s new open access policy.

View UKRI policy

Wellcome Trust open access policy

Information about the Wellcome Trust's new open access policy, effective as of January 1 2021.

View Wellcome Trust policy

More information

Open access for students

Information about open access which is applicable for current students.

Access student information

Open access for staff

Information about open access which is applicable for staff.

Access staff information