REF2021: towards Open Research – Leeds University Library Blog

"REF2021: towards Open Research With the funding bodies’ Initial decisions on the Research Excellence Framework 2021 published at the beginning of September including a paragraph on ‘open research’ we consider what this might mean as the REF takes shape. 29. The revised template will also include a section on ‘open research’, detailing the submitting unit’s open access strategy, including where this goes above and beyond the REF open access policy requirements, and wider activity to encourage the effective sharing and management of research data. The panels will set out further guidance on this in the panel criteria.  Initial decisions on the Research Excellence Framework 2021 (pg 9) While still some way from full Open Access in the UK we are getting closer, largely thanks to HEFCE’s “Policy for open access in the post-2014 Research Excellence Framework” which came into effect in 2016, on April Fools’ day in fact. Nevertheless it has been taken very seriously. REF is no laughing matter!"