Disclaimer: The selection of links provided here does not claim to be exhaustive. They are examples. The editors welcome suggestions for the inclusion of further examples.

Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities

In 2003, the “Berlin Declaration(externer Link)” was adopted by German and international research organisations – an important milestone in the open access movement.

See here for information on the DFG’s funding programme “Open Access Publication Funding”

DFG funding programme “Open Access Publication Funding”(externer Link)

Appeal for the use of open licences in science

In the ongoing debate regarding free and, if possible, unhindered access to research results, an issue that arises again and again is that of how productive reuse of research results can be fully secured on a legal basis. The Alliance of Science Organisations in Germany points out that standardised, open licences for OA publications are ideally suited for this purpose.

The Alliance Digital Information Initiative

The priority initiative “Digital Information” (or Alliance Initiative) was established in 2008 by the Alliance of Science Organisations in Germany with the aim of providing researchers with the best possible information infrastructure.

The Alliance Digital Information Initiative(externer Link)

Information provided by the DFG on the Alliance Digital Information Initiative

For information provided by the DFG on the Alliance Digital Information Initiative, see:

Information provided by the DFG on the Alliance Digital Information Initiative(externer Link)

FAQs on the second publication right under the Alliance Digital Information Initiative

FAQs (in German only)(externer Link) on the second publication right under the priority initiative “Digital Information” of the Alliance of Science Organisations in Germany can be found here.

A guide on legal issues in Open Science

The German publication “Rechtsfragen bei Open Science: Ein Leitfaden(externer Link)” offers a practical guide on legal issues related to the topic of Open Science.

Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing

The Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association has issued its Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly(externer Link) Publishing. There are no “white lists” or “black lists”, and quite deliberately so: the principles, of which there are 16 in all, are intended as a checklist for publication media against which they can measure themselves. Lack of transparency with regard to one or more of the principles is an initial indication of doubt as to the integrity of a publication medium.

FAIR Guiding Principles for scientific data management and stewardship

The FAIR principles(externer Link) provide guidelines for good practice in making digital data available and accessible in a research context. They cover the aspects of findability, accessibility, interoperability and reuse of digital assets.

The Future of Scientific Publishing – ISC Principles

The International Science Council (ISC) has set down eight principles(externer Link) on how publishing as a public good can best serve scientific progress. These principles are highly consistent with the relevant DFG Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice and also with DFG funding practice.

Principles for the Handling of Research Data by the Alliance of Science Organisations in Germany

The “Principles for the Handling of Research Data(externer Link)” were developed by the Alliance of Science Organisations in Germany and adopted in June 2010. They aim to promote quality, productivity and competitiveness in research. These principles are also intended to promote coordinated further action.

Handling of Research Data

DFG Guidelines on the Handling of Research Data(externer Link)

Guidelines on the Handling of Research Software

The development of standards for handling research software is currently the subject of intense debate. A general overview of the questions that arise in the development and use of research software as well as the solutions currently being pursued is provided in the document “Recommendations on the Handling of Research Software(externer Link)” published as part of the Alliance’s Digital Information Initiative.