cOAlition S has released a revised implementation guidance on Plan S. Changes include an extension to the formal commencement point, which will now take effect from 2021. The new implementation guidance has taken into consideration the views expressed through a recent feedback exercise.

Since its launch in September 2018, Plan S has reinvigorated the global debate on Open Access to scholarly publications. cOAlition S is grateful to all those who took the trouble to respond and provide specific advice during its recent feedback exercise. The 600 plus inputs received allowed the coalition to make changes that take into consideration the views expressed by the diverse communities affected.

Changes include an extension to the formal commencement point for Plan S which will now take effect from 1 January 2021. This new timetable provides more opportunity for researchers, institutions, publishers, and repositories to make changes and for funders’ policies to develop and take effect.

About Plan S

Plan S is an initiative for Open Access publishing that was launched in September 2018. The plan is supported by cOAlition S, an international consortium of research funders. Plan S requires that, with effect from 2021, all scholarly publications on the results from research funded by public or private grants provided by national, regional, and international research councils and funding bodies, must be published in Open Access Journals, on Open Access Platforms, or made immediately available through Open Access Repositories without embargo.

More information

Revised Plan S principles and implementation guidance

Rationale for the revisions made to the Plan S principles and implementation guidance