The AAMC submitted comments on May 6 to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in response to a request for information (RFI) on public access to peer-reviewed scholarly publications, data, and code resulting from federally funded research.
The RFI facilitates ongoing implementation of a 2013 OSTP memo on increasing access to the results of federally funded research and addresses recommended actions for agencies in a recent report from the Government Accountability Office.
In its letter, the AAMC emphasized the importance of increased access to the results of federally funded research, which advances science, catalyzes new research, and promotes responsible stewardship of federal resources.
The letter noted the importance of clear federal policies and guidance, sufficient investment in infrastructure and relevant training, and common standards for peer-review, curation, and discoverability.
Finally, the comments highlighted that continued engagement of the government with other sectors, including academic institutions and publishers, is a necessary component in facilitating the broader dissemination of research results.