Open Science is a mode of conducting research and communicating its results, which rests on the principles of open access, transparency, reproducibility and verifiability. These principles are of key importance for the development of science in accordance with the most stringent standards of research integrity. Open science is also the foundation of social accountability, as it ensures broad access to the latest, verified knowledge.

The principles of open science have been implemented by many research-funding agencies around the world, including the European Commission. They are also advocated by international organisations that shape research policy, such as Science Europe and UNESCO.

Open Science applies to many aspects of research processes and research artifacts, including access to publications, data, protocols, software or source codes. The NCN has implemented open access solutions with respect to research data and publications, while its proposal and report assessment procedures are informed by the principles of DORA – the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment.

Letter by the Director of the National Science Centre concerning open access and data management

On 26 June 2025, the National Science Centre (NCN) has announced a new Policy of open access publishing of research results funded by NCN. Under the new rules, publishing exclusively in open access (OA) is no longer mandatory.

The new Policy applies to:

Although OA publishing is no longer mandatory, NCN continues to recommend this model to enhance the visibility and accessibility of research results, to allow broader use of publicly funded knowledge, and to fulfil the social mission of science.

The NCN especially encourages Route 2 (Green Open Access), by depositing manuscripts in recognised repositories.

Key changes introduced on 26 June 2025:

  • Annual and final reports for research projects may now include papers published under traditional models (hybrid or, closed access);
  • The absence of OA publications will not affect the assessment of annual or final reports, nor the settlement of the project;
  • Article Processing Charges (APCs) for hybrid journals can now be covered using OA indirect costs (up to 2% of direct cost) and other indirect cost.

Provisions that remain unchanged:

  • APCs can only be covered from indirect costs (either indirect OA cost or  other indirect cost);
  • The limit of 2% of project’s direct costs for indirect OA costs remains in place;
  • The rules for sharing data remain unchanged. Data must be shared even if the related publication is not in open access, unless there are reasons to restrict access to data.

International calls for proposals:

International calls for proposals may be subject to different rules, depending on the requirements of NCN’s partners and co-funding institutions.

Calls launched by:

  • the CHANSE and CHIST-ERA networks and under POLONEZ BIS, are subject to a more restrictive NCN Policy (introduced by Order No 38/2020),
  • ForestValue2, Luke, Quantera III and T-AP, are subject to NCN’s more relaxed policies introduced on 26 June 2025,
  • the Biodiversa+ network, are subject to the Horizon Europe’s regulations.

The new Policy does not apply to international calls for proposals, where its implementation would conflict with agreements made by NCN with its partners..

Documents supporting the new Policy:

  1. NCN Director’s Order No 39/2025 for calls for proposals launched 15 September 2025 onward
  2. NCN Director’s letter extending the new regulations to domestic projects underway on 26 June 2025 and after 

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