Publication Charges - Guidelines for Charging to Federal Research Awards

Overview

Publication and printing costs incurred for disseminating research findings are allowable expenses under federal research awards, provided they meet specific criteria outlined in the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §200.461) and agency-specific policies. These costs include charges for electronic and print media, distribution, promotion, and general handling. Page charges for professional journal publications are allowable when the publication reports work supported by the federal government and the journal levies charges impartially on all items published, regardless of funding source. Importantly, publication costs may be charged to the award even if incurred after the period of performance, as long as they are recorded before the final federal financial report is submitted.

Application

Recipients must ensure that publication charges are properly allocated when multiple funding sources are acknowledged. Costs should be charged directly to the benefiting award(s) using a reasonable and documented allocation methodology, especially when publications cite more than one project. Additionally, publications resulting from federally funded research must include appropriate acknowledgments and disclaimers as required by the sponsoring agency, such as NIH or NSF. Non-compliance with these requirements may result in the disallowance of the charges. College/department administrators and principal investigators are responsible for ensuring that publication expenses comply with federal cost principles, agency-specific guidance, and institutional policies.

Last updated: 11/21/2025