ORFG Releases Funder Policy Landscape Analysis and Recommendations: 2026
The Open Research Funders Group (ORFG) just released its 2026 Funder Policy Landscape Analysis Report and Recommendations. This report analyses access-to-research policies of ORFG members and other private funders of open research and open outputs.
The report finds that funders' policies have been evolving to more often require open practices rather than simply recommend them. As an example, preprint requirements have increased 18% since the ORFG’s 2023 member policy analysis. While there have been improvements in funder policies supporting a more open ecosystem, there is continued work to do and improvements that funders can make in their policies.
Based on its findings, the report makes 5 recommendations for funders to advance open outputs in policy and practice:
Eliminate embargo periods
Partner with open infrastructure providers
Expand data management plan requirements and support existing data principles and practices
Strategically accelerate preprint adoption
Develop incentives and workflows to complement policy requirements
The ORFG is continuing its work to develop actionable playbooks to support funders in making recommended changes in the open ecosystem.
To read more findings and learn about the recommendations, download the report and its executive summary on Zenodo.
Report DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20451484