The Updated 2024 NIH Public Access Policy for Publications

By and — January 22, 2025

The updated NIH Public Access Policy (2024 Public Access Policy) for publications was issued on December 17, 2024. The updated 2024 Public Access Policy includes two supplemental notices: Publication Costs and Government Use License Use and Rights.

The updated Policy is effective for peer-reviewed articles accepted for publication in a journal on or after December 31, 2025, and supported by NIH funding.

One major change in the updated Policy:

  • Removal of the 12-month embargo period to allow users to read the full text in PMC upon publication.

While the workflow and methods for compliance with the current NIH Public Access policy will remain almost the same for the updated Policy, investigators will see these changes:

  • During the submission process to NIHMS, authors will grant NIH the right to make the Author Accepted Manuscript publicly available through PMC without embargo upon the Official Date of Publication via standard license based on the Government Use License.
  • The NIH will use a new Official Date of Publication, defined as the date on which the Final Published Article is first made available in final, edited form, whether in print or electronic (i.e., online) format.

Reminders

  • Applicable articles must include acknowledgement of NIH funding.
  • There is no requirement as to a specific publishing model (i.e., Open Access) or specific license (i.e., Creative Commons).
  • There is no fee or article processing charge required for compliance.
  • Journal or publisher fees that arise during the publication process for the sole purpose of submitting the Author Accepted Manuscript to PMC are not allowable costs.

While implementation of the updated policy seems a long way off, journals and publishers continue to change their processes and procedures to prepare for policy implementation. Articles you submit now may not be accepted for publication until after December 31, 2025 – when the updated policy will apply. Here are some recommendations you can take to prepare:  

Recommendations for NIH-funded Investigators

  • Communicate with co-authors about publication decisions early.
  • Confirm that publisher policies allow you to comply with funder publication mandates.
  • Include federal funding acknowledgements in manuscripts.
  • Keep copies of all final peer-reviewed manuscripts, including tables and figures, and supplemental files.

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