NIH Public Access Policy

As of May 25, 2008, anyone submitting an application, proposal or report to the NIH must include the PMC reference number (PMCID) when citing applicable papers that they author or that arise from their NIH-funded research.

1. Include the PubMed Central reference number (PMCID) at the end of citations when submitting an NIH application, proposal or report.

   For papers published more than 3 months before the application, proposal or report is submitted:

• List the PubMed Central reference number (PMCID) at the end of the full journal citation for the paper in NIH applications, proposals and reports. A PMCID is the only way to demonstrate compliance for these papers.

   For papers in press, or published within 3 months of when an application, proposal or report is submitted:

• When using Submission Method A or B, indicate “PMC Journal - In Process” or the PMCID at the end of the full citation.
• When using Submission Method C or D, provide a valid NIH Manuscript Submission System reference number (NIHMSID) or PMCID at the end of the full citation. Note, NIH awardees are responsible for ensuring that all steps of the NIHMS submission process are complete within three months of publication.

2. Place the Literature Citations in the appropriate location.

The appropriate locations for literature citations vary depending on the application type.  See the Guide Notice NOT-OD-08-119 for details.

For more information see How to Include PMCID in Citations.