New statement from ALLEA on Plan S

Open Access is a topic which is touching upon almost all aspects of the research endeavor and ALLEA (All European Academies - the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities) has previously stated its clear support for it. In this instance, the ALLEA Board requested input from the ALLEA working groups on Science & Ethics; Intellectual Property Rights; E Humanities; and Truth, Trust and Expertise to a provide a holistic response to Plan S - that scientific publications on the results from research funded by public grants provided by national and European research councils and funding bodies be published in compliant open access journals or on compliant open access platforms. The expertise ALLEA was able to draw upon represents a large share of ALLEA’s membership body, and thus of the academies in Europe, and they combine a wide variety of scientific disciplines, both from the natural sciences and the social sciences and humanities. What has been produced is therefore a truly interdisciplinary and well-rounded response that will contribute great value to the ongoing discussion around Plan S. 

ALLEA broadly welcomes the bold ambition of Plan S. However, this initial response from ALLEA is presented to identify some implementation issues and stimulate debate. If Plan S is to gain general acceptance and to be made compulsory, there needs to be more consultation and discussion with all affected parties and several accompanying measures need to be taken. 

The Royal Irish Academy would like to particularly commend Professor Luke Drury MRIA, a member of the ALLEA Board Member and a past President of our Academy (2011-2014). Professor Drury has been an excellent ambassador and representative for the Royal Irish Academy, working tirelessly as the lead author of this statement, and we are very grateful for his time, efforts, and expertise.

The ALLEA Response to Plan S can be accessed here