Ten Approaches to Rights Retention in Europe: A Webinar on Open Access Policies

• February 12, 2025

As Open Access (OA) publishing gains momentum, institutions across Europe are exploring rights retention (RR) policies to empower researchers and ensure wider access to scholarly work. To support this shift, SPARC Europe is hosting a webinar under the Retain project, part of the Knowledge Rights 21 programme, titled “Ten Approaches to Rights Retention in Europe.”

Understanding Rights Retention in Open Access

Scheduled for 20 February 2025 (13:00–14:30 CET), this webinar will present key findings from SPARC Europe’s second Retain report, set to be published in Q1 2025. The session will examine various RR approaches implemented across ten European countries, drawing from interviews with policymakers, advocacy specialists, and activists. Attendees will gain insights into the evolving landscape of RR policies and the practical implications for institutions and researchers.

Key Topics Covered

• Overview of different national approaches to rights retention
• Legal and institutional challenges in implementing RR policies
• Best practices for supporting researchers in retaining copyright
• Insights from policymakers and experts on future policy developments

Expert Panel

The event will feature a distinguished panel of European experts, including:

• Raúl Aguilera (REBIUN, Spain)
• Christina Angelopoulos (University of Cambridge, UK)
• Susanna Nykyri (Tampere University, Finland)
• Eoin O’Dell (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
• Jon Treadway (Great North Wood Consulting/SPARC Europe)
• Victoria Tsoukala (European Commission)

Who Should Attend?

This session is designed for university administrators, policymakers, advocacy groups, and researchers engaged in shaping RR and OA policies. Whether you are already working on rights retention or new to the concept, the discussion will provide valuable perspectives on legal and strategic frameworks for facilitating Open Access publishing.

Join the Conversation

The webinar offers an opportunity to engage with experts, explore best practices, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on rights retention in Europe. Don’t miss this chance to help shape the future of Open Access!