About
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) (“the agencies”) have a fundamental interest in ensuring that the findings resulting from publicly funded research are available to the widest audience at the earliest opportunity. Open access to peer-reviewed research articles enables public, private and not-for-profit sectors, as well as the general public, to use and build upon research findings, ultimately maximizing the impacts of research investments.
The revised Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications (2026) will come into effect on January 1, 2027 and apply to grants and Chairs awarded on or after this date. Open access publishing also supports the global research community to access up-to-date research results without monetary barriers and to build on new findings rapidly.
Useful links
- Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications (2026)
- Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications (2015)
- Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions
- Tri-Agency Statement: Strengthening Open Access to Canadian Research Publications
- Letter to Publishers
More information
The Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications (2026) is a revised version of the original policy published in 2015.
- In 2015, the Agencies announced the publication of the Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications (2015).
- In 2023, the tri-agency Presidents announced a review of the Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications (2015).
- In July 2023, the agencies led engagement activities, including an online survey and consultations with a wide range of stakeholders. Following these activities, the agencies published the survey results and a What We Heard Report.
- Based on the findings from these engagements and additional feedback received during discussions with policy experts and partners, in February 2025, the agencies released a draft version of the revised policy for feedback. In September 2025, they published a summary of the feedback they received.
- In October 2026, the Presidents of the Agencies announced the release of the revised Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications (2026).