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

Public Access, Copyright, and Publications Reporting Federally Funded Research

When the government funds research, it also has a fundamental interest in seeing it published; ensuring that research arising from federal funding is disseminated as widely as possible, with appropriate quality and integrity. It has long recognised this interest by encouraging researchers to publish in peer‑reviewed journals. At the same time, longstanding policy and legal…

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OMB grant regulation paused by Congress

The US Senate has taken a significant step to prevent implementation of the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed revisions to federal grant regulations. On 2 August, the Senate released the text of a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through mid-December. On the last page of the bill, Congress forbids the Administration…

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STM explores publisher support for trusted research in emergencies

STM recently convened exploratory workshops in London and Brussels to examine how scholarly publishers can support access to trusted research and evidence during emergencies. Discussions brought together a wide range of organisations with direct experience across science advice, humanitarian response, policy, public communication and research infrastructure, including DG ECHO, the European Commission’s Scientific Advice Mechanism,…

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Research4Life looks beyond access at 25th anniversary gathering

More than 150 partners from across the scholarly communications ecosystem gathered in July for the Research4Life Global Partners Meeting (GPM) in Geneva, celebrating 25 years of collaboration to expand access to research and strengthen global participation in knowledge creation. Hosted by WHO, WIPO and ILO and attended by representatives from FAO and UNEP, publishers, librarians…

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