Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – Open Access Policy (2025 update)

What is this about?

The Gates Foundation mandates unrestricted access and reuse of peer‑reviewed research and underlying datasets arising from its funding. Introduced in 2015 and updated to align with Plan S principles, the policy requires immediate open access under liberal licences (typically CC BY) and encourages deposition of data in appropriate repositories. The dedicated policy portal explains scope, compliance routes, and answers practical questions for grantholders. By framing openness as essential to solving global challenges, the Foundation’s policy ties dissemination to impact, equity and innovation across health, development and education.

For whom is this important?

Peer reviewers

Other information