Russell Group: News and Policy Statements - 2013 - BIS Select Committee report on open access

“'We welcome the committee’s report, which highlights the vital role that ‘green’ open access can play as the UK moves towards full open access.  We have always said we are committed to open access. But the committee rightly highlights that ‘green’ open access is a simple and cost-effective way of sharing research. We urge the Government to take note of the calls to reconsider its preference for ‘gold’ open access during the five year transition period. However, we have real reservations about the committee’s recommendation to restrict embargo periods to six months for STEM subjects and 12 months for humanities, arts and social sciences. This will directly limit where researchers can publish, will constrain academic freedom and could potentially damage the international standing of UK universities.' She added:  'It is vital that pursuing open access should not come at the expense of the UK’s world-class research. We estimate that funding from the Research Councils will only cover the publication of 10% of research from Russell Group universities in the ‘gold’ open access format. And, whilst academics and businesses abroad will have free access to our research, UK universities will still have to pay subscriptions to access theirs.'"