Howard Hughes Medical Institute Public Access to Publications

In June of 2007, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) announced that effective January 2008, it would require its scientists to publish their original research articles in scientific journals that allow the articles and supplementary materials to be made freely accessible in a public repository within six months of publication. An acceptable public repository is PubMed Central, NIH’s digital repository. The policy expands upon the existing policies that require HHMI scientists/authors to share databases, published research, and software.

Additional resources:

• HHMI Release on Public Access to Publications
• HHMI Resources for Public Access Publishing
• HHMI Help Desk for HHMI Authors

Autism Speaks Policy on Public Access

In promotion of understanding and sharing knowledge about the causes of autism, Autism Speaks implemented a public access mandate. The policy stipulates that all peer-reviewed works supported in whole or in part by Autism Speaks grants awarded after December 3, 2008 must be made available in PubMed Central. Authors are to submit a copy of the peer-reviewed manuscript to PubMed Central upon acceptance of publication with the full text to be available no later than 12 months after the official date of publication.

Additional resources:

• Policy on Public Access to the Research We Fund
• How to Deposit an Article in PubMed Central
• Reserving the Necessary Rights in Your Publishing Agreement

Becker Services for HHMI or Autism Speaks Funded Authors at Washington University

• Third party submitter services for Autism Speaks
• Guidance to authors on how to retain the right to comply with the HHMI or Autism Speaks policy
• Locate journal policies on behalf of WU authors
• Provide a listing of peer-reviewed journals that allow for compliance with the HHMI or Autism Speaks policy
• Locate the PubMed Central Reference Number (PMCID)