«"Open science" is a scientific process approach based on collaboration, open and timely sharing of results, means of disseminating knowledge based on digital networked technologies and transparent methods of validation and evaluation of research products» (from the National Open Science Plan).
Since 2015, the University of Cagliari has been pursuing the principles of open science and is committed to promoting full access to scientific literature (University Policy on open access to scientific research). In 2022, as part of the HRS4R strategy, the University, together with the other Universities of the EDUC Alliance defined a common framework of objectives for Open Science, which includes the fields of research infrastructure, research data, citizen science and research evaluation.
To develop and promote its own institutional strategy of open access and open science, the university appointed the Open Science Policy Committee.
In 2024, UNICA adopted the "University Policy for Open Science".
The University of Cagliari has joined the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA), and published the action plan to pursue the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment (ARRA) objectives. Furthermore, UniCa signed the San Francisco DORA declaration.
In 2022, the University's policies on open access to scientific research were approved: the basic concepts were set out, as well as the definitions and the practices to be followed in order to comply with Open Access publication standards.
UniCa pursues the aims of open access:
- through the establishment and maintenance of the institutional archive of the UNICA IRIS research products;
- through the publishing services of its own publishing house, UNICApress, and the management of the UniCA Open Journals platform;
- through incentives and facilitated conditions for open access publishing with scientific publishers (such as transformative contracts, as well as other discounts and agreements).
OPEN ACCESS GRANT 2026
As part of the implementation of the HR Excellence in Research process (HRS4R), since 2025, UniCA has granted funding to support young researchers who wish to publish their research products in open access.
Read the 2026 notice DR 181/2026
SUBJECT OF INTERVENTION: a financial support will be awarded to eligible researchers for publishing scientific contributions in pure (or gold) open access with Italian and foreign publishers.
BENEFICIARIES: Applications are open to R1 (PhD students, resident students, non-medical specialization school students, research assignments), R2 (postdoctoral fellows, research fellows, research contract, post-doc assignments) and R3 (RTdA, RTdB, RTT researchers) who are affiliated with the University of Cagliari at the time of submission of their paper to the publisher.
AVAILABLE RESOURCES: €70,000.00 for the year 2026; the amount awarded to each researcher may not exceed €2,500.00 (including VAT) for the current year. The amount may only be granted for the coverage of publication costs for a research product that meets the requirements specified in the call for applications.
ONLINE APPLICATION PROCEDURE: by completing the appropriate form; applicants must certify that they meet all the requirements set out in the call for applications and provide the information necessary for the evaluation of their application. The form can be filled in Italian or English by selecting the language from the drop-down menu at the top of it.
DEADLINE: Access to the grant is on a 'first come, first served' basis. Applications submitted for eligible grants will be processed in the order in which they are received, and must be submitted by 31/12/2026, until the fund is exhausted.
For support, please contact openaccess@unica.it
OPEN ACCESS AWARD 2025
Within the framework of the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers, The University of Cagliari has published with DR n 344 of 1/4/2025 the notice ‘Open Access Awards: call for applications for contributions to the open access publication of research articles of young researchers to strengthen their professional careers and enhance the research system of the University of Cagliari.
AVAILABLE RESOURCES: € 80,000.00 total; maximum amount awarded per individual researcher to cover costs shall not exceed €2,500.00 (VAT included) for 2025