Copyright when you do research

Open Access

When discussing Open Access in the context of publishing, it refers to making scientific publications freely accessible to everyone, allowing research to reach a broader audience and benefit the research community.

Publishing and publishing agreements

It is essential for DTU that publishing agreements do not hinder DTU from including articles in DTU Orbit.

Additionally, it is crucial not to enter into agreements that prevent or complicate sharing your publication or parts of it with others.

Learn more about publishing.

Text citations and use of others’ images

Citations play a significant role in scientific articles. A citation should be commented on or explained as part of your overall argumentation. It is essential to cite accurately.

Remember that you can only use images from others if you have obtained permission from the rights holder, such as through an email agreement or a licensing agreement. Many images are shared under licenses that allow their use in publications.

Always remember to provide proper attribution, both for text citations and images. For example:

• Scientific article: [Author], [(Publication Year)], [Title], [Journal Title [Volume/Issue], [Page Numbers], [DOI]
• Web page: [Author], [Article Title], [Date of Visit], [URL]
• Image: [Title] [Creator or Rights Holder] [URL or another source]

Co-authorship and Research Ethics

Not all contributors need to be listed as co-authors. Distinguish between co-authorship and others who should be included under “acknowledgment.” DTU follows the principles outlined in the Vancouver guidelines.

You can also read more about the above in DTU’s publishing policy.

Collaboration agreements with external parties (other research institutions, private companies, etc.)

Articles resulting from DTU’s research collaborations with external partners usually need to be reviewed by the other parties before publication. Typically, there is an agreement allowing the postponement of publications for up to three months.
 
This is necessary to ensure agreed confidentiality, protect other intellectual property rights, and allow for communication with policymakers during government service.

Read more about collaboration agreements with external partners.

Personal Data and GDPR

Personal data must be handled according to specific rules. For instance, you must not publish readable personal data; data should always be anonymized or pseudonymized.

Read more about GDPR.

Research Data Management

Ensure you manage your data properly. Research data should be as open as possible and only as closed as necessary. DTU follows the national strategy for FAIR data.

Clearence

Legally use third-party material in written submissions. Remember to clear all rights.

Grant conditions

Check whether the funding provider requires specific rights, including those related to publications and data.

Types of Agreements

Co-funded Research

Articles resulting from DTU’s research collaborations with external partners usually need to be reviewed by the other parties before publication. Typically, there is an agreement allowing the postponement of publications for up to three months. This is necessary to ensure agreed confidentiality and protect other intellectual property rights.

Commissioned Research

The starting point is that nothing may be published or disclosed from the project. All written deliverables belong to the party that paid for the research.

Software

DTU owns software developed by DTU employees in connection with their work tasks at DTU. Sharing software must follow established processes.

In these situations, Copydan agreements do not apply!

Remember to clear all rights to the materials you use in your presentations.

If the materials have been released under a license allowing the use you are considering, all you need to do is to remember appropriate crediting of the source.