Open Access Overview

Update - The presidents of Canada's federal research granting agencies announce a review of the Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications

Canada’s federal research granting agencies (CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC) have announced a review of the Tri-Agency Open Access (OA) Policy on Publications, with the goal of requiring that any peer-reviewed journal publications arising from agency-supported research be freely available, without subscription or fee, at the time of publication (immediate OA). The renewed OA Policy will be released by the end of 2025. Learn more

Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications

What is Open Access?

Free and unrestricted online access to research publications and data.

What are the benefits?

  • More exposure for your work
  • Higher citation rates
  • The public can access your findings
  • Your research can influence policy
  • Knowledge users can apply your findings
  • Compliant with grant rules
  • Researchers in developing countries can see your work
  • Taxpayers get value for money

What is required of Tri-Agency funded researchers?

Ensure that peer-reviewed journal publications arising from Tri-Agency supported research are freely available within 12 months of publication by...

  • Depositing manuscripts in an institutional or disciplinary repository
    and/or
  • Publishing in an Open Access journal.

Remember to acknowledge funding support.

In addition, CIHR-funded researchers must:

  • Deposit certain types of data in a public database.
  • Keep data sets for 5 years.

Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications

If you have questions, please contact CIHR at openaccess-libreacces@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

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