Australia: National Health and Medical Research Council Open Access Policy, 15 January 2018

"NHMRC supports the sharing of outputs from NHMRC funded research including publications and data. The aims of the NHMRC Open Access Policy are to mandate the open access sharing of publications and encourage innovative open access to research data. This policy also requires that patents resulting from NHMRC funding be made findable through listing in SourceIP.

Combined, these approaches will help to increase reuse of data, improve research integrity and contribute to a stronger knowledge economy. Open access will also assist with reporting, demonstration of research achievement, improve track record assessment processes for the long term and contribute to better collaborations.

All recipients of NHMRC grants must therefore comply with all elements of the NHMRC Open Access Policy.

The NHMRC Open Access Policy is consistent with the Australian Government’s commitment to open access, open data and intellectual property (IP) management. This policy is also aligned with the global open access movement where funding bodies, international organisations, governments and institutions have implemented open access policies or guidelines. In Australia, the NHMRC Open Access Policy is generally aligned with the Australian Research Council Open Access Policy 2017 and supports the overall intent of the F.A.I.R. Access to Australia’s Research Statement through which data/information are made findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable.

Researchers and administering institutions must adhere to the principles of responsible research conduct and fulfil the responsibilities as outlined in the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2007) in all areas of research. The guidance as outlined in the Values and Ethics - Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research (2003) and Keeping Research on Track: A guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples about health research ethics (2005) must also be adhered to in all areas of research including managing and sharing data...."