To understand what Open Access is, it is helpful to look back at how research has been shared in the past. The current system is largely based on a centuries old model of publishing research in print journals, funded by subscription fees. This model prevents anybody without the required resources from accessing and using research. Even though most journals now largely operate in a digital environment this model of restricting access to only those who can afford to pay remains with content often locked behind paywalls.
Open Access seeks to change the way that research is shared, by shifting the focus away from subscription fees, to a free to view model, thereby creating a fairer research environment, free from legal and financial restrictions.
The Open Access movement is part of a wider shift towards Open Research, an umbrella term which encompasses a number of other movements all working to remove barriers for sharing research, for example Open Data and Open Peer Review.
The pressure to support Open Access is in part being driven by Government and Funder Open Access policies which seek to make the results of public or charitably funded research available to everybody. Many of the major European funders including UKRI and the Wellcome Trust have also signed up to Plan S, an initiative which sets out 10 principles to achieving a more open environment.
'Open Access is the free, immediate, online availability of research articles coupled with the rights to use these articles fully in the digital environment'. (SPARCÞEurope, 2023)
There are two main routes to making your work Open Access:
Last reviewed: 28 May 2024
