Open Access Policy for Research Infrastructure at Jouf University 2025
Introduction:
The open access policy for research laboratories in universities represents a fundamental pillar for maximizing the optimal utilization of available research resources and infrastructure, thereby contributing to scientific progress and sustainable development. By adopting this policy, the university and researchers can share advanced research capabilities and equipment, reducing the need for repeated investments in expensive devices and instruments. This policy also enables maximizing the return on government financial resources through improved management of research spending and strengthening research collaboration between local and international universities, which positively impacts the quality of research outputs and scientific innovations. In light of the shift toward a knowledge-based economy, implementing an open access policy has become an urgent necessity to achieve research integration and support national objectives in research and innovation.
Therefore, the open access policy for research infrastructure is of great importance to the university, as it contributes to organizing scientific research and innovation activities, ensuring optimal utilization of laboratories, research facilities, and infrastructure, and defining authorities and responsibilities among departments, councils, and committees to ensure transparency and enhance a culture of research and innovation within the academic community, ultimately supporting scientific research and innovation.
Article One: Terms and Definitions
Research Infrastructure: Includes the central laboratory, college laboratories, research and innovation centers, scientific equipment and instruments, electronic resources, scientific and research data, electronic infrastructure, and any other tools used in research, development, and innovation activities.
Internal Users: Faculty members, researchers, research assistants, technicians, students, and other university affiliates.
External Users: Stakeholders in the research, development, and innovation ecosystem who are not affiliated with the university, including individual researchers, research teams, academic institutions, business, industrial or public service institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
Open Access: Enabling external users to access the university’s research infrastructure to conduct research, development, and innovation activities.
Intellectual Property Rights: All legal rights related to research outputs and discoveries, including patents, copyrights, publishing rights, trade secrets, and others.
Research Training: Educational programs and workshops provided to internal and external users to enhance their skills in using research equipment and facilities.
In addition to the above definitions, the terms and definitions stated in the “Open Access Policy for Government-Funded Research Infrastructure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” issued by Council of Ministers Resolution No. 159 dated 20/2/1445 AH, shall be observed.
Article Two: Objectives of the Policy
In addition to the objectives stated in the national policy, the objectives of implementing this policy at Jouf University include:
1. Maximizing the utilization of research resources through improved management of research equipment and reducing duplicate purchases.
2. Encouraging research collaboration and strengthening partnerships between university departments and local universities.
3. Reducing research costs and financial burdens by sharing available research resources.
4. Accelerating discoveries and innovations by enabling rapid access to advanced laboratories and equipment.
5. Enhancing transparency and equal opportunities for all researchers and students.
6. Strengthening the university’s academic and research reputation through open access aligned with international standards.
7. Contributing to the achievement of Saudi Vision 2030 and supporting the knowledge-based economy.
Article Three: Purpose and Scope of the Policy
Purpose of the Policy:
Jouf University aims through this policy to maximize the utilization of research infrastructure and strengthen cooperation among researchers and academic institutions in support of Saudi Vision 2030 for scientific research and innovation. The policy also seeks to ensure optimal use of resources and provide a flexible research environment that allows researchers, research teams, and institutions access to modern facilities and advanced technologies without unnecessary restrictions.
Scope of Application:
This policy applies to research infrastructure at Jouf University funded fully or partially by the Government of Saudi Arabia.
Article Four: Governance and Operation
1. The Deanship of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research is responsible for supervising channels connecting users with laboratory supervisors.
2. The Deanship is responsible for preparing procedural manuals, forms, and implementation mechanisms.
3. The Permanent Committee for Scientific Research and Innovation approves all matters related to access procedures and policies.
4. Infrastructure supervisors are responsible for monitoring requests and preparing necessary reports.
5. Internal and external users must complete all required forms and undertakings before using the infrastructure.
6. Users must complete required training, if applicable.
7. Supervisors must report any damage caused by misuse.
8. Clearance procedures are completed after supervisor approval.
Article Five: Regulations for Access to Research Infrastructure
Access Principles
1. Access priority shall follow the three modes: “Excellence-Driven,” “Market-Driven,” and “Wide Access.”
2. The university may charge fees for market-driven access through agreements with external users.
3. The university shall regularly update inventories of available infrastructure and equipment.
4. Mechanisms shall be prepared to facilitate external user access.
5. Training may be required for users lacking sufficient expertise.
6. Users must complete training courses on equipment usage.
7. The university shall organize periodic training programs.
Intellectual Property Rights
1. Users must report inventions resulting from the use of the infrastructure.
2. Intellectual property rights resulting from collaborative research shall be governed by the university’s IP policy unless otherwise agreed.
Acknowledgment and Co-Authorship
1. Scientific publications or patents resulting from use of the infrastructure must acknowledge university support if funded by the university.
2. Users must include acknowledgments for laboratories and contributors.
3. University researchers, technicians, or students may be included as co-authors when they make genuine scientific contributions.
Health, Safety, Security, and Environment
1. All parties must comply with occupational safety and health standards.
2. Users must follow approved safety procedures before equipment use.
3. Supervisors must provide detailed safety instructions.
4. Emergency plans must be established for security, environmental, health, and data incidents.
5. Users must comply with all related university regulations and policies.
Liability and Quality Assurance
1. Supervisors must provide safe-use guidelines.
2. Emergency response plans must be available.
3. Users bear full responsibility for damages caused by negligence.
4. Supervisors must report potential risks.
5. Users must complete satisfaction and feedback surveys before clearance.
Data Management and Confidentiality
1. Supervisors and staff must maintain confidentiality of experimental results and data.
2. Users must preserve the confidentiality of research infrastructure.
3. Users must comply with university data management and confidentiality policies.
Additional Provisions
* The university may restrict open access according to the national policy.
* Supervisors must conduct annual inventories and prepare detailed status reports.
* Supervisors must establish appropriate maintenance plans.