Restrictive scientific practices

Nature

Restrictive scientific practices refer to policies or norms that limit the open sharing, accessibility, or reproducibility of scientific research. These practices include paywalled publications, proprietary data, closed methodologies, and exclusive peer review processes. Such restrictions hinder collaboration, slow scientific progress, and exacerbate inequalities by preventing researchers—especially those from under-resourced institutions or countries—from accessing or contributing to knowledge. As a result, restrictive scientific practices are widely criticized for impeding transparency, innovation, and the equitable advancement of science.

Incidence

Restrictive scientific practices are reported across multiple disciplines and regions, impeding the free exchange of data, methodologies, and findings. Surveys indicate that up to 50% of researchers have encountered barriers to accessing research outputs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Such practices limit collaboration, slow innovation, and exacerbate global disparities in scientific advancement, making this a significant worldwide concern.
In 2022, the European Research Council faced criticism after several grantees were unable to share their data due to restrictive publisher agreements. This incident highlighted ongoing challenges in ensuring open access and transparency within high-profile, publicly funded research projects.