Open access and research assessment – Steven Hill – Writings about research policy, evidence, and other topics.

"Yesterday, after lots of hard work from colleagues, the HEFCE consultation on open access in the next national research assessment process was published. The consultation is open until the end of October, and I looking forward to reading the inputs. We will also be taking and making opportunities to hear views during the consultation period.

The proposals that we are consulting on are, like most policy development, all about finding an appropriate balance point between sometimes competing objectives. Open access to research publications brings benefits to research and to its wider use and uptake, and there is a strong moral argument that the fruits of public investment should be available to all. We need to encourage change to achieve this goal at as fast a pace as possible. But at the same time, the pace of change mustn’t be so fast, as to reduce the quality of research or the ability to communicate about it through the appropriate channel. I think we have struck a good balance, but I am sure others will have views...."