NIH Public Access Policy Overview

Public Access Policy Details

Increasing access to publications resulting from National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding offers many benefits to the scientific community and the public who funded the underlying research. When patients, families, and healthcare providers can access published findings resulting from NIH funding, they are able to better understand and address the most critical health concerns facing their communities. It also allows researchers, students, and members of the public in all communities to have equitable access to such content.

To achieve these goals, the 2024 NIH Public Access Policy requires Author Accepted Manuscripts accepted for publication in a journal, on or after July 1, 2025, to be submitted to PubMed Central upon acceptance for publication, for public availability without embargo upon the Official Date of Publication.

Policy Details

• The 2024 NIH Public Access Policy outlines key definitions, policy scope, and requirements. It also covers rights, costs, and compliance and enforcement. 
• Cost guidance can be found in the Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Public Access Policy: Publication Costs.
• Guidance on the Government Use License and rights can be found in the Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Public Access Policy: Government Use License and Rights.

Additional Resources

The 2024 Policy replaces the 2008 NIH Public Access Policy. More information on the history of the development of the 2024 NIH Public Access Policy can be found on the Office of Science Policy’s Public Access page.