Overview
Where HHMI stands on contributorship and open research
HHMI open-access policy recommends contributor statements on funded outputs. CRediT is used in HHMI team-science reporting and the institute has been a CRediT advocate since co-hosting the original 2012 workshop. Not mandated as a grant-reporting requirement but explicitly named in publishing guidance.
CRediT status: Recommended - Policy text recommends a CRediT statement on funded outputs.
Open access
HHMI Open Access Policy (CC BY effective 2022)
All HHMI-funded publications must be CC BY at time of publication; full Plan S alignment. Pre-print deposit is encouraged. Articles submitted before the 2022 policy effective date follow prior HHMI policy that included a delayed-OA option.
Research data management
Data sharing requirements
HHMI research and publication policies include data-sharing expectations; HHMI Investigators follow Investigator-specific policy that incorporates open data principles.
Submission and reporting
How HHMI researchers apply and report
| Primary submission system | HHMI Investigator review cycle (internal); no per-grant submission system - HHMI employs Investigators directly |
| Biosketch / CV format | Internal HHMI Investigator review every 5-7 years; no grant-application CV |
| Reporting cycle | Internal review cycles; no per-grant reporting |
HHMI does not operate a conventional grant programme - it employs Investigators directly for renewable 5-7 year terms with full salary, lab budget, and institutional support. There is no per-grant biosketch process; instead, Investigators undergo internal scientific review every 5-7 years. HHMI Investigators typically also hold NIH grants and follow NIH research-administration norms in parallel. HHMI links ORCID iDs in publication-tracking systems and requires CC BY open access on all HHMI-funded publications.
Contributorship guidance
How HHMI handles contributor attribution
HHMI strongly supports CRediT and was an original co-host of the 2012 workshop (Harvard / Wellcome / HHMI) that produced CRediT 1.0. HHMI Investigators are frequently cited as CRediT exemplars in the contributorship literature.
For authors
Publishing from HHMI funding
When publishing from HHMI funding, ensure the article is published immediately CC BY - either in a fully open-access journal or via simultaneous CC BY deposit in a public repository. Acknowledge HHMI using the standard format that names the Investigator and Institute. Include a CRediT statement at submission; HHMI Investigators are frequently treated as CRediT exemplars and detailed contributorship is the cultural norm. Deposit preprints with CC BY licensing. Where you also hold NIH funding, follow NIH PubMed Central deposit rules in parallel.
For general CRediT submission guidance across publishers, see CRediT for authors.
Notable initiatives
HHMI programmes and infrastructure
- HHMI Investigator programme
- Janelia Research Campus
- cOAlition S signatory
- CRediT origin partner (2012 workshop)
- BioInteractive (education)
Notes
Caveats and context
HHMI's employment model (rather than grant model) means it operates under different research-administration mechanics than most funders on this list, but its CRediT, OA, and ORCID positions remain influential for biomedical contributor-attribution practice generally.
Frequently asked
Common questions about HHMI
- Does HHMI require CRediT?
- HHMI recommends CRediT in its formal policy text without making it a contractual requirement. HHMI open-access policy recommends contributor statements on funded outputs. CRediT is used in HHMI team-science reporting and the institute has been a CRediT advocate since co-hosting the original 2012 workshop. Not mandated as a grant-reporting requirement but explicitly named in publishing guidance.
- What is HHMI's open access policy?
- HHMI Open Access Policy (CC BY effective 2022). All HHMI-funded publications must be CC BY at time of publication; full Plan S alignment. Pre-print deposit is encouraged. Articles submitted before the 2022 policy effective date follow prior HHMI policy that included a delayed-OA option.
- How do I report contributorship to HHMI?
- HHMI strongly supports CRediT and was an original co-host of the 2012 workshop (Harvard / Wellcome / HHMI) that produced CRediT 1.0. HHMI Investigators are frequently cited as CRediT exemplars in the contributorship literature.
- Where do I submit a HHMI application?
- HHMI applications are submitted through HHMI Investigator review cycle (internal); no per-grant submission system - HHMI employs Investigators directly. HHMI does not operate a conventional grant programme - it employs Investigators directly for renewable 5-7 year terms with full salary, lab budget, and institutional support. There is no per-grant biosketch process; instead, Investigators undergo internal scientific review every 5-7 years. HHMI Investigators typically also hold NIH grants and follow NIH research-administration norms in parallel. HHMI links ORCID iDs in publication-tracking systems and requires CC BY open access on all HHMI-funded publications.
- What is HHMI's data sharing requirement?
- HHMI research and publication policies include data-sharing expectations; HHMI Investigators follow Investigator-specific policy that incorporates open data principles. Researchers should follow the data-management plan submitted with the application and deposit data in a recognised repository where appropriate.
References
Sources
- HHMI Research and Publication Policies
- HHMI Open Access Policy (2022)
- CRediT 1.0 workshop report (Harvard / Wellcome / HHMI, 2012)








