University of Sheffield open access policy

The University of Sheffield fully endorses the principles of open access and expects all academics to make their research open access where possible. Read the University's position statement in support of open access here.

In summary, the University of Sheffield requires researchers to deposit the author accepted manuscript (AAM) of all new journal articles and conference papers in myPublications as soon as possible after acceptance. Where possible, the AAM will then be made open access in the University repository White Rose Research Online (WRRO).

Strategic leadership for the University’s open access policy is provided by the Open Access Advisory Group.

Funder open access requirements

Many funders require research outputs to be made open access (OA) within set timescales, through either the green or gold route. You should check funders’ OA requirements at the start of your research project. Details of a number of funders’ requirements can be found here. You can also find information about funder policies on the SHERPA Juliet database.

To make your research output available through the green OA route, deposit it in myPublications, as above. It will then be made available in WRRO in compliance with the publisher’s policy.

If your research is funded by UKRI (formerly RCUK), the Wellcome Trust or British Heart Foundation, you may be able to apply for funding to make your research outputs immediately available through gold OA, provided certain conditions are met. You can find information here about applying for gold OA funding, which is administered by the Library OA team.

NB Gold OA funding is limited, and you should always contact OAEnquiries@sheffield.ac.uk before committing to any paid open access options offered by a publisher. Invoices received for article processing charges that have not been authorised in advance will remain the responsibility of the author for payment.

For further information, contact OAEnquiries@sheffield.ac.uk.