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Prior licence model (Rights Retention Strategy) for peer-reviewed articles

According to the Rector’s decision on December 16 2025, Åbo Akademi University will implement a prior licence model for peer-reviewed articles starting January 1, 2026. 

The model is based on the Rights Retention Strategy (RRS), which is an international initiative to secure researchers’ rights to self-archive peer-reviewed articles with immediate open access (without embargo) upon publication. 

The prior licence model is based on recommendations from the international Plan S initiative. The purpose of the model is to guarantee researchers the right to deposit their articles long-term in AboCRIS regardless of any restrictions imposed by publishers. In this way, Åbo Akademi University secures access to affiliated researchers’ publications now and in the future. Additionally, the model promotes financial sustainability and ensures that researchers retain copyright to their article manuscripts. At the same time, it increases the openness of scientific publications and improves the conditions for research. 

At Åbo Akademi University, the prior licence model applies to all article authors affiliated with Åbo Akademi University at the time when they submit their manuscript for publication. The prior licence model applies to all article manuscripts (publication types A1–A4) submitted for peer-review to a publication channel from January 1 2026 onward. The model does not apply retroactively to manuscripts submitted for peer-review before January 1 2026. 

Starting January 1, 2026, all peer-reviewed scientific publications authored by researchers at Åbo Akademi University are self-archived in the research information system/publication archive as follows: 

  • The prior licence model applies to peer-reviewed articles in journals, conference proceedings, and edited volumes (publication types A1–A4 according to the Ministry of Education and Culture’s publication data collection). 
  • If the article is published behind a paywall in a subscription-based publication channel, the researcher will self-archive the last peer-reviewed manuscript version (Author Accepted Manuscript, AAM) at the time of publication. 
  • If the article is published openly (open access) under a Creative Commons license, the final published version (Version of Record, Publisher’s PDF) will be self-archived. The prior licence model does not apply to these articles. 

The prior licence model is a way for the researcher and the university to meet potential funder requirements for immediate open access to research publications, regardless of the publisher’s terms. The researcher has the right to opt out of the prior licence model, except when their research funder requires immediate open access. If the researcher opts out of using the prior licence model, the manuscript will be self-archived in accordance with the publisher’s terms. 

Åbo Akademi University supports researchers in the publishing process and provides legal assistance if a publisher makes claims related to breaches of the terms in the publishing agreement concerning self-archiving. If a publisher makes claims related to breaches of the terms in the publishing agreement concerning self-archiving, Åbo Akademi University undertakes to assume the financial responsibility, provided that the researcher was affiliated with Åbo Akademi University at the time of the self-archiving and that the researcher has followed Åbo Akademi University’s prior licence model by depositing their manuscript in Åbo Akademi University’s research information system/publication archive. 

Contact: openscience@abo.fi