NIH Public Access Policy Mandating Zero Embargo Now in Effect
The NIH Public Access Policy requires researchers to make publications resulting from NIH funding publicly accessible. The updated 2024 policy, effective July 1, 2025, mandates that author-accepted manuscripts must be deposited into PubMed Central (PMC) immediately upon acceptance for publication, without an embargo period. This ensures free and immediate access to the results of taxpayer-funded research for the scientific community and the public.
To assist with compliance, NIH has developed a new website dedicated to the Public Access Policy which includes an overview of the policy, supplemental guidance, tips for submitting to PubMed Central, contact information, and FAQs. Please visit the NIH site for more information: https://grants.nih.gov/policy-and-compliance/policy-topics/public-access.
Questions can be sent to SciencePolicy@od.nih.gov.