House of Commons - Peer review in scientific publications - Science and Technology Committee

The Eighth Report on Peer Review in Scientific Publications, from the UK Houses of Commons Science and Technology Committee, made several recommendations supporting OA. "[Recommendation 3:] We encourage increased recognition that peer-review quality is independent of journal business model, for example, there is a "misconception that open access somehow does not use peer review"....[Recommendation 19:] Access to data is fundamental if researchers are to reproduce, verify and build on results that are reported in the literature. We welcome the Government's recognition of the importance of openness and transparency. The presumption must be that, unless there is a strong reason otherwise, data should be fully disclosed and made publicly available. In line with this principle, where possible, data associated with all publicly funded research should be made widely and freely available....[Recommendation 30:] While pre-publication peer review continues to play an important role, the growth of post-publication peer review and commentary represents an enormous opportunity for experimentation with new media and social networking tools. Online communications allow the widespread sharing of links to articles, ensuring that interesting research is spread across the world, facilitating rapid commentary and review by the global audience...."