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Open Access: OA Policy for REF 2021

This guide is intended to provide advice on open access to researchers

Open Access for REF Eligibility

Open access is a requirement for REF eligibility, so if you have a journal article or conference paper accepted for publication you must deposit the accepted manuscript in Pure. 

Please note that from 1 April 2018 onwards, all journal articles and published conference papers must be deposited in Pure no later than three months after the date of acceptance (previously three months after publication). 

Open Access Policy

For papers accepted from 1st April 2016 onwards you are required to: 

  • Deposit the accepted manuscript version of all journal articles and conference papers in Pure no later than three months after the date of acceptance.

  • Papers must be open access as soon as possible after publication and must not exceed the embargo limits (12 months REF Main Panel A & B; 24 months REF Main Panel C & D)

Open Access Policy for REF 2021 - Video Guide

Three easy steps to achieve REF eligibility