The IReL Advisory Committee has recently published a new Mission Statement and IReL Principles for Negotiations.
These documents together set a clear strategic direction for IReL’s work in advancing sustainable, inclusive and transparent access to scholarly communications in Ireland.
Mission Statement
IReL’s mission is to provide sustainable and inclusive access to scholarly communications in support of Irish research excellence and impact.
This mission is pursued through:
- Providing shared access to the global scholarly network of trusted, quality published information.
- Supporting authors in publishing the outputs of their research openly.
- Partnering locally and globally to develop an open, transparent, trusted and diverse scholarly communications ecosystem.
- Responsible use of public funding and evidence-based decision-making.
This mission is guided by the following core values: Openness, Equity, Integrity, Sustainability and Collaboration.
Access IReL’s Mission Statement on the IReL website.
Background on Principles for Negotiations
The updated negotiation principles reflect a growing national and international consensus on how best to support a transition to open access that is equitable, sustainable and transparent.
The revision process incorporated international dialogue and stakeholder feedback. These renewed principles will guide the IReL Negotiation Group from 2025 onwards, helping to direct funding toward maximum impact.
Key Principles
1. Cost Reduction or Control
2. Uncapped Open Access
3. Transparency
4. Commitment to an Open Access Paradigm
5. Equity
6. Protecting Researchers’ Rights
The full IReL Principles for Negotiations document can be accessed here.
Both the mission statement and the principles for negotiations set a foundation for IReL’s continuing work to advance open, equitable and sustainable scholarly communication in Ireland.
