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Open Access

The University of Iceland has established a policy on open access and encourages staff to publish articles in open access outlets, such as open access journals, digital repositories, etc. The policy applies to publications in peer-reviewed journals but not to books or book chapters.

The UI Open Access Policy was approved by the University Council on 6 February 2014 and entered into force on 1 September 2015. The policy applies to works published after it entered into force, with the exception of articles for which work was already underway at that time and to which conflicting stipulations apply.  Exemptions from open access publication or delays to publication are permitted in certain circumstances. Requests for exemptions shall be directed to the Division of Science and Innovation (email: opinvisindi@hi.is), cf. rules of procedure.  

The policy is consistent with the Act on public support for research and takes account of the global movement towards open access digital publishing of research funded in part or in whole by public money.  Among the benefits of open access are that it encourages increased cooperation between researchers and facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration. It also leads to fewer instances of redundant research, increases efficiency and encourages more responsible use of public funding.  Open access increases the visibility of science in society and supports a wider dissemination of the research work conducted by University staff.

With the Open Access Policy, the University of Iceland joins the growing ranks of universities and research institutes all over the world who have prioritised open access.  The website ROARMAP lists almost 800 parties that have established a policy on open access to research results. In September 2016 this register included around 80 research funds, 567 universities and research institutes, as well as 71 university schools or faculties. The University of Iceland signed the Berlin Declaration on Open Access on 1 July 2016, thereby affirming the University's intent to develop open access to knowledge.





Further information