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Nelson Memo FAQ

Not currently for most funding agencies. But this is a good time to begin developing a plan for how to manage your data and think about where you plan to publish your research in the future.

Some agencies have indicated that awardees will start to see implementation of new policies in contracts that start as early as Fiscal Year 2025, which starts on October 1, 2024. We recommend working with your agency contact to receive the information most relevant to your grant or contract.

According to the memo, all federal granting agencies will need updated public access by December 31, 2024. Agencies must implement the policies within one year of publication.

Many agencies already have public access policies. Until the new policies are implemented, you should continue to follow the existing policies.

The two types of output specifically mentioned in the Nelson Memo are peer-reviewed publications and research data. Also included are peer-reviewed book chapters, editorials, and conference proceedings.

Under the Nelson Memo, an accepted manuscript or the final published version must be immediately accessible, removing the previous 12-month delay. The data that underlies that publication must also be made available immediately.

No. You will not be required to make public items that have privacy and security restrictions. The federal agencies are aware this is an issue for some research areas and will provide further guidance.

UND has several campus units that can assist you with questions around the Nelson memo and its impact on your research:

  • Contact Michael Sadler, director of Research & Sponsored Program Development for questions around specific grant programs
  • Check UND’s Division of Research & Economic Development event calendar for upcoming workshops on grant programs
  • Contact Brittany Fischer, Scholarly Communications Librarian, at the Chester Fritz Library for assistance with Open Access Publishing
  • Contact the Digital Initiatives Librarian, Zeineb Yousif, at the Chester Fritz Library for assistance with data management
  • Contact UND IT for more information on your research storage options
  • Contact Chadd Damm, Senior Cybersecurity Analyst for questions related to data security
  • Contact Dr. Colin Combs, Associate Dean of Research for questions specific to School of Medicine and Health Sciences requests
  • Contact Susan Holden, School of Medicine and Health Sciences Grants and Contracts Officer for questions related to SMHS specific grants

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