For some time Dutch copyright law allows researchers to make their scientific publications, for which the research has been financed in whole or in part by public funds, available free of charge after a reasonable time.

The article in the Copyright Act allowing for this, the so-called Taverne amendment, includes a number of criteria that require further clarification; for example, the reasonable time. At the instigation of the VSNU, these criteria have been translated into clear principles which will be tested for feasibility during a pilot project.

In the pilot project, in which all Dutch universities participate, publications are selected that are suitable to test the formulated principles. Researchers whose publications are eligible will be invited to take part in the pilot. The pilot is coordinated by the VSNU.

For more information, visit the Open Access coach.