What does the open access -- special clause 39 -- entail exactly?

The FP7 open access pilot is based on self-archiving open access of peer-reviewed publications. The Commission also provides the opportunity for fully open access publishing in FP7 by reimbursing costs for open access publishing in subscription-based journals.

Authors shall deposit the peer-reviewed manuscripts of their articles in repositories (also called open archives) at the time of publication. The manuscript shall be made available in open access mode after an embargo period of 6 or 12 months (depending on research field).

Results generated within the project shall be disseminated (published) as swiftly as possible. If this is not done, the Commission may disseminate the results. (Article II.30.1)

Dissemination shall be compatible with the protection of intellectual property (Article II.30.2)

Information to other beneficiaries

At least 45 days prior notice of any dissemination shall be given to the other beneficiaries concerned and they may object within 30 days of the notification. In such cases, the dissemination activity may not take place unless appropriate steps are taken to safeguard their legitimate interests. Different time-limits may be agreed on in the Consortium Agreement. (Article II.30.3)

Reporting to the Commission

An electronic copy of the published version or the final manuscript accepted for publication shall be provided to the Commission within 2 months of publication. This is done by way of the coordinator.