The document provides an overview of federal efforts in the United States to promote open science, with a particular focus on the activities and policies of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). It emphasizes the philosophical underpinnings of open science, referencing Thomas Jefferson’s view that ideas should circulate freely for the betterment of society. The key objectives of open science are outlined as accelerating scientific progress, improving research rigor and reproducibility, fostering innovation, strengthening the economy, and enhancing the return on governmental investment in research. These goals are pursued through a combination of policy initiatives, incentives, culture change, and the development of systems and tools that increase the accessibility and usability of research outputs.
The document details the coordination among multiple federal agencies through the Interagency Working Group on Open Science (IWGOS) and related entities, highlighting efforts to harmonize policies, support data sharing, and facilitate international collaboration. Specific mechanisms such as NIH’s mandatory public access policy (requiring funded research to be deposited in PubMed Central) and NSF’s requirements for data management plans are discussed in depth. Both agencies stress community-driven approaches within broad guiding principles, recognizing the diversity of disciplines and data types they fund. The document also addresses practical considerations, including compliance monitoring tools, incentives for sharing, and legal or ethical constraints on data openness. Across all sections, there is a strong emphasis on the necessity of structured, transparent processes for managing and disseminating both publications and data to maximize the impact of publicly funded research.
