VU Open Science Policies

VU Open Science Policies

• VU Open Access Policy

  From 1 January 2023, VU has implemented a new policy which makes Open Access publishing the norm. By adopting this policy, VU takes its responsibility in supporting researchers in making their publications Open Access. Thus, the policy is in line with the requirements of an increasing number of research funding providers. This creates unity and clarity for researchers. Moreover, through this approach VU focuses on creating a sustainable and affordable publication landscape. 

  Under VU policy, scientific publications by VU authors should: 

  • be registered in the VU Repository (PURE); 
  • be made immediately Open Access under an open licence, where possible; 
  • remain under the author's copyright, where possible; 
  • be made available via the VU Repository (PURE). 

  Download the VU Open Access policy  

• VU Research Data Management Policy

  At VU Amsterdam, we are strongly committed to the accessibility of research data. Findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable (FAIR) data are important to the visibility, verifiability and general trustworthiness of research. This policy is intended to promote: 

  1. the careful handling of research data by researchers in order to enhance the impact of their research, demonstrate the scientific integrity of their research, comply with legal requirements, codes of conduct and funding bodies’ demands;
  2. awareness of the importance of Research Data Management among researchers; 
  3. clarity about the responsibilities regarding Research Data Management among researchers. 

  This policy document summarizes the university-wide principles for careful handling of research data. At the level of the faculties, these principles are developed into faculty guidelines that comply with the central policy and cover all departments and research institutes. This document shows how the responsibilities with respect to research data are covered within VU, based on the Netherlands Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (previously Netherlands Code of Conduct for Academic Practice) from the VSNU, the Standard Evaluation Protocol (SEP) for Research Assessments in the Netherlands 2015-2021, the FAIR principles for research data and relevant legislation. In addition, it presents the facilities provided by VU for managing research data.  

  Download the VU Research Data Management Policy 

• VU Academic career paths

  At VU, teaching, fundamental and applied research, impact, patient care, and leadership are equally recognised and rewarded. However, staff members are not necessarily expected to specialise in all of these aspects of academia simultaneously. With a firm basis in the dual domains of teaching and research, various career paths are available to assistant, associate and full professors within the various teams, so that these academics can develop their specific talents and excel in their careers. 

  We do expect academics to take their responsibilities within the university and the wider national and international academic community and society seriously, by contributing to a safe working environment and ensuring a healthy work-life balance for all staff, upholding the principles of academic integrity and Open Science, and working towards social goals. 

  In this document, we elaborate on what those different career paths might look like for permanent academic staff (assistant, associate and full professors) and what VU Amsterdam principles underlay this. In line with the academic career paths, separate career policies will be developed for lecturers, early career academics and healthcare professionals at the UMCs. 

  Download the VU Academic career paths policy