Measuring Progress

Metrics shape how research is discovered, valued and built upon across the research lifecycle. An equitable approach to open research metrics prioritises transparency – making data sources, methodologies,and limitations clear –  so that metrics can be understood, interpreted responsibly and used to support openness.​

Responsible use requires recognising different research contexts, disciplines, career stages and geographic realities and avoiding one-size-fits-all indicators. Metrics should support multiple pathways for contribution and discovery, valuing a broad range of outputs and practices rather than privileging a narrow metric set.

Global Open Access

Over the last 10 years gold OA has become the dominant type of open access increasing the volume of research available globally.

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The opportunity to publish gold OA

In 2024, 80% of global articles, reviews and conference papers either were or could have been published as gold OA articles.  

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Scholarly discipline by access type

STM and SSH disciplines track closely in access to publishing OA 

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Available books via Research4Life

Record access to just under 239,000 books supports all disciplines across low- and middle-income countries.  

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Available journals via Research4Life

Critical research access to more than 56,000 journals increases participation for low- and middle-income country researchers 

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Access for low & middle income institutions

Almost 12,000 institutions have access to Research4Life with, on average, another 518 institutions added each year.

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OA growth in Research4Life eligible countries

Research output in Research4Life countries is growing with greater opportunity to publish open access actively supported by waivers and discounts 

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Data availability statements

Encouraged or mandated by 81% of surveyed journals, data availability statements help ensure research data can be discovered, assessed, and reused more equitably. 

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Guiding Principles

Go back to where it all connects — the Equity in Open Research homepage.

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The Latest from STM

Gold OA continues to drive open access growth as the market matures

Gold OA articles jumped to its highest share ever in 2025, accounting for 44% of all global journal articles, reviews, and conference papers published, based on the latest release of the STM Open Access Dashboard. Nearly two million research articles were published gold OA in 2025, making it the principal driver of immediate, freely available…

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Two calls open for STM’s Innovation & Integrity Days 2026

STM has opened two calls for contributions to Innovation & Integrity Days 2026, taking place on 8–9 December at BMA House, London. The two-day event explores the breakthroughs transforming scholarly communication, and looks closely at the latest trends, approaches and innovations in research integrity. It brings together publishers, innovators, researchers, sleuths, funders and allied organisations….

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STM joins News/Media Alliance and AAP in Amicus Brief on Mosaic AI Training

STM has joined the Association of American Publishers (AAP) and News/Media Alliance in filing an Amicus Brief in In Re Mosaic LLM Litigation, concerning the alleged unauthorised use of copyrighted books in AI training. The brief was filed on 27 August 2026 in opposition to the defendants’ motion for summary judgment. The brief argues that using…

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STM prepares comments for AI and copyright consultations in the Asia-Pacific region

Following other governments, the National Copyright Administration in China and the Intellectual Copyright Office in Malaysia have opened consultations on the topics of AI and copyright. China’s draft regulations avoid proposing any new exception, and STM’s response supports this choice. The Malaysian government is more open to the idea, although a concrete proposal hasn’t been…

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