In a pioneering move towards global inclusivity, the American Physical Society (APS) has teamed up with Research4Life to provide open access to its journals for researchers in over 115 countries, territories, and refugee camps. Notably, APS will also eliminate all article publication charges (APCs) for eligible scientists from these regions starting January 1, 2024.
This groundbreaking initiative aligns with APS's commitment to dismantling barriers in scientific publishing and fostering worldwide access to research, as emphasized by Rachel Burley, Chief Publications Officer at APS. By joining Research4Life, APS ensures free or low-cost subscription access to its journals for entities such as teaching hospitals, universities, and non-governmental organizations in lower and middle-income countries.
Research4Life, supported by five United Nations programs, champions equitable access to peer-reviewed content from over 200 international publishers. Colin Adcock, APS's Publishing Manager for Open Science, notes that this collaboration will empower scientists who previously lacked funding for subscriptions, facilitating their active participation in the physical sciences community.
APS's expanded support extends beyond free journal access, encompassing a commitment to cover APCs automatically for eligible authors from lower and middle-income countries. This streamlined process, effective for submissions after January 1, 2024, eliminates financial barriers and aligns with APS's values of equity, inclusion, and advocacy.
Sarah Phibbs, Director of R4L Publisher Partnerships at Research4Life, expresses delight over APS's partnership, emphasizing its contribution to Research4Life's mission of fostering knowledge exchange between higher and lower-income countries to address global challenges.
The move not only reflects APS's dedication to inclusivity but also aligns with its broader initiatives, such as tiered registration pricing for society meetings. Burley anticipates that these efforts will enhance the field's inclusiveness and provide a platform for diverse voices to contribute to the scientific discourse.
