What is Open Access (OA) and why does it matter?
Open Access means research is free to read online—no paywalls, no subscriptions.
Why it matters
- Fair access. Anyone can read research, not just people at universities
- More impact. OA articles are easier to to find, read, and cite
- Faster progress. Sharing research freely speeds up discovery and collaboration
- Community benefit. Helps engage the public, professionals, and policymakers
- Global equity. Supports access across countries and institutions
Types of Open Access
- Gold OA. Free to read, but authors usually pay to publish (APCs)
- Diamond/Platinum OA. Free for both readers and authors (no APCs)
- Green OA. Authors post a free version in a repository (may be delayed)
- Hybrid OA. A mix: some articles are free, others behind a paywall
Find out more about Open Access:
