With several major Open initiatives underway at the US Federal level, Princeton University Library (PUL), Princeton Research Data Service (PRDS), and Office of Research and Project Administration (ORPA) are increasing ways to help researchers navigate requirements. Naming 2023 the “Year of Open Science,” the White House announced actions “to advance national open science policy, provide access to the results of tax-payer-supported research, and advance adoption of open, equitable, and secure science.” 

What does this mean for you?

1-For researchers planning to apply for funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF): NEW ORCiD and SciENcv requirements

Beginning October 2023, all NSF funding will require a unique researcher identifying number obtained through registration with Open Researcher Contributor ID (ORCiD), as well as an account with SciENcv to create and maintain a biosketch. A biosketch is a document highlighting the qualifications of key personnel for a specific role in a proposed grant project. Both the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the NSF require a biosketch for senior or key personnel applying for and renewing grants with each agency.

For more information about ORCiD and SciENcv support through PUL, please visit the ORCiD and SciENcv Guide  (which includes informational and "how to" videos).

2-For all researchers: Upcoming Major Changes to Open Access and Open Data

On August 25, 2022, Dr. Alondra Nelson of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) issued a memo, known as the “Nelson Memo,” with recommendations for providing “public access to the outcomes of research that is federally funded,” access that is free, equitable, and immediate (without embargo). The new policies will be developed over the next two years and are planned to go into effect December 31, 2025. For more details about the Nelson Memo and federally funded research requirements, please visit Understanding the 2022 OSTP Public Access Memo.

How is the University supporting open access to research?

OA Repository: As open access to research with federal funding evolves, the Princeton Open Access Repository (OAR) for articles and grey literature can support researcher compliance. To learn more about Princeton’s OAR and to answer questions around Article Processing Charges (APC) (including APC funding) and zero-embargo compliance, please contact PUL research librarians at Princeton OAR.

Open Data at Princeton: Launched during 2023, Princeton Data Commons is a new website for the discovery and sharing of research data. The Commons will include two components: Discovery and Describe. Discovery, currently fully functional, is open to all researchers for discovering research data from Princeton researchers. Describe, scheduled to launch in the coming months, will provide a platform for Princeton researchers to upload their research data.

Wherever you are in your research life cycle, resources are readily available to support you, including descriptions of available research tools.

PUL will continue to send out “Open Readiness” and research support updates.

For immediate assistance, please make an appointment with Princeton Research Data Service (click on “make an appointment” or email Neggin Keshavarzin at [email protected]) or contact the Scholarly Communications Office ([email protected]). For funding support, please contact Francine Taylor at ORPA ([email protected]).

Published June 14, 2023