Publishing in hybrid, open access journals: further advice and support for Wellcome-funded researchers

The University Library manages the open access block grant awarded to the University by Wellcome. Wellcome have recently updated their open access guidance for researchers, confirming their position on what an author should do if a journal has discouraged them from exercising their right to make their Author Accepted Manuscript (AAM) open access. 

The press release provides guidance for Wellcome-funded researchers if they are asked by a publisher to pay for an Article Processing Charge (APC) at the point of submission or if their article submission is re-routed to fully open access journals. 

Points to note:

1. Wellcome OA funds cannot be used to pay for an APC at the point of manuscript submission
2. If a researcher is content that their submitted article to a hybrid journal is being re-routed to an open access journal, then proceed with that submission
3. If a researcher would prefer their submission to be considered by their first-choice journal, the expectation is that publishers should respect this choice
4. If a publisher does not consider a manuscript because of the authors’ rights to make their AAM open access, then the author should notify cOAlition S

All Wellcome-funded authors should consult the Journal Checker Tool to determine available routes to compliance with the Wellcome OA policy. Any queries, please do contact the University Library open access team.