The Gates Foundation’s Open Access Policy
Ensuring unrestricted access and reuse of all research funded by the Gates Foundation through its Open Access Policy (OAP).
Unlocked Issue 8 | May 2026
In this issue of Unlocked, learn how to preprint your Gates-funded research with VeriXiv and explore new resources to help you navigate the Gates Foundation Open Access Policy.
Open Access Initiatives
Dedicated to the expansion of Open Access globally, we have extended our policy implementation through partnership and collaboration. Explore our initiatives
What is the Open Access Policy
The Gates Foundation Open Access Policy (OAP) ensures that research funded by the foundation is accessible to everyone. We believe in the power of shared knowledge to drive innovation and solve global challenges. This policy supports unrestricted access and reuse of research, including any underlying data sets.
Why Open Access Matters
Open Access democratizes knowledge, allowing researchers, policymakers, and the public to benefit from the latest scientific discoveries. It accelerates innovation, enhances collaboration, and promotes transparency in research.
- Global Impact: Empowering global researchers with unrestricted access.
- Innovation: Accelerating discoveries by sharing knowledge.
- Equity: Ensuring everyone can benefit from research, regardless of geography or economic status.
Find the right support
Choose the option that best matches where you are in your compliance journey. You can return to the step-by-step requirements below at any time.
Open Access Policy
Start here if you need a plain-language overview of the Open Access Policy (OAP), who it applies to, and what grantees are expected to do.
Compliance options
Use this guide to understand your compliance options based on where your manuscript is in the publication process.
Help Center
Visit the Help Center for answers to common questions about preprints, licensing, data availability statements, and related requirements.
Contact support
Email us if your question is grant-specific, your situation not covered in the guides, or you need help identifying the right next step.
Popular Resources and Tools
Access a range of resources to help you comply with the Open Access Policy, including guidelines, templates, and tools.
Quick Start Guides
The foundation has prepared the Understanding the Open Access Policy Guide and the Open Access Compliance Options Guide to help guide you through the publishing process.
Beyond APCs: Explore Your Open Access Publishing Options
Read about the options available for your research.
FAIR Data Resources
This list of resources can provide best practices and guidance to support grantees aiming to make data FAIR.
Deposit Your Paper
Grantees can now directly deposit their accepted manuscript to PubMed Central where it will seamlessly link to its PubMed record.
Share Your Paper Tool
If your journal is not compliant then use the Share Your Paper Tool to help make your paper and data open access and compliant.
Latest Updates and Initiatives
Stay informed about the latest developments in Open Access, including new initiatives, policy updates, and success stories from researchers.