Do you receive funding from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC? Learn how to comply with the Tri-Agency Open Access Policy. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact scholarly.communications@library.utoronto.ca
UPDATE: In July 2023, the Tri-Agency announced a review of the existing policy with the goal of requiring that any peer-reviewed journal publications arising from agency-supported research be freely available, without subscription or fee, at the time of publication. The renewed OA Policy will be released by the end of 2025. Visit science.gc.ca for more information.
What are the requirements of the policy?
The Tri-Agency Open Access Policy requires that grant recipients ensure peer-reviewed journal publications arising from Agency-supported research are freely accessible within 12 months of publication.
This policy applies to all grants awarded by NSERC or SSHRC from May 1, 2015 and onward, and by CIHR, from January 1, 2008 and onward. Researchers holding previously awarded grants are also encouraged to adhere to the requirements of this policy.
How to comply with the policy
Option 1 - Deposit your work into an open access repository
Publish your research in the journal of your choice, then deposit your final, peer-reviewed manuscript into an institutional or disciplinary repository that will make the manuscript freely accessible. Ensure that your publisher permits self-archiving. The University of Toronto offers to its faculty a free and easy way to comply with the policy by depositing your publications into TSpace, the University’s secure research repository. The TSpace team is currently offering additional assistance by processing and depositing grant-funded research on behalf of the authors. Visit the Assisted Deposit page or contact TSpace staff to get started.
Option 2 - Publish in an open access journal
Publish your research in a journal that offers immediate open access or that offers open access within 12 months. Publishing costs in open access journals are eligible expenses under the Use of Grant Funds. For other research funders' archiving mandates and guidelines visit SHERPA/JULIET.
The University of Toronto Libraries offers open access deals and discounts with various publishers to eligible University of Toronto authors who are paying article processing charges (APCs) to make their research openly available. These discounts help to reduce the financial obligations on researchers.
Find open access journals:
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Consult UTL's Identifying Deceptive Publishers Checklist before submitting to an open access journal to ensure the journal follows accepted scholarly publishing best practices
How the Library can assist researchers
U of T librarians are ready to provide you with advice and assistance to help you comply with open access policies, including:
- Verification that a journal is compliant with policy
- Repository selection and submission, including depositing to TSpace
- Obtaining copyright clearance from your publisher
Some copyright questions to consider
Has your research already been published?
Verify if your publishing agreement permits you to self-archive your final article or manuscript in an open access repository. Check your publisher's copyright and self-archiving policies using SHERPA/RoMEO or contact your publisher.
Preparing to publish?
Consider selecting a journal with open access provisions, or modify a publisher's agreement by attaching an addendum to your contract:
- Template: SPARC Canadian Author's Addendum to Publication Agreement
- Consult CARL's Guide to Using the Author Addendum and the CARL Guide to Author Rights for instructions.
More Information
- Open Access Update (Government of Canada)
- Tri-Agency Open Access Policy: Tool Box
- Tri-Agency Open Access Policy: FAQ
Last updated: May 29, 2023