University of Chester Open Access Policy

The University of Chester Open Access Policy, effective from 20 July 2026, sets out the University’s commitment to making research outputs freely and openly available in line with Open Research principles, funder requirements and the REF 2029 Open Access Policy. The Policy applies to all University staff, including honorary and emeritus staff, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students. It covers journal articles and conference papers with an ISSN published after the Policy start date and aims to increase the visibility, accessibility and impact of University research while ensuring compliance with funder and REF requirements. Authors funded by organisations such as UKRI, Wellcome, or the European Commission must also meet any additional funder-specific Open Access obligations. To comply with the Policy, authors must deposit all in-scope outputs in the University repository, ChesterRep, within 10 weeks of acceptance for publication and make them available under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) licence wherever possible. The policy supports Green, Gold, and Diamond Open Access routes, but recommends Green or Diamond Open Access as sustainable, no-cost options. Authors are responsible for ensuring compliance, including using a Rights Retention Statement, maintaining an ORCID record, and checking publication funding arrangements before submission. The University, through LIS Research Support, is responsible for providing guidance, monitoring compliance, managing repository deposits and ensuring research outputs remain discoverable.

URI

https://chesterrep.openrepository.com/handle/10034/630064

Type

Other

Description

This Policy will be made openly available on the launch date (20th July 2026).