Building a community-driven future for scientific research
This Open Access Week, we continue to embrace the theme of Community over Commercialisation. We believe that scientific knowledge should be freely accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or affiliation. As a not-for-profit publisher, we are dedicated to supporting the transition to open access in a way that best serves global and academic communities.
We're aiming to make all RSC-owned journals open access, ensuring that groundbreaking discoveries are freely available to everyone, everywhere. This shift empowers people by:
- Breaking down paywalls: removing access barriers so scientists, policymakers and the public anywhere in the world can access and utilise vital information
- Enabling progress: supporting knowledge sharing to further advance scientific progress, globally
- Promoting inclusivity: levelling the playing field and fostering a diverse scientific landscape accessible to all, regardless of resources or location
Witness the power of open access
Open access unlocks the full potential of scientific research, driving impactful discoveries that benefit society as a whole. Explore the power of open access research through these recently published articles:
Open access lights Up CO2 Conversion
Research published in EES Catalysis presents a groundbreaking approach to utilizing light for converting CO2 into methane, a valuable fuel source. The key innovation lies in harnessing the properties of a material called titanium nitride (TiN) that acts as a support for the actual catalyst (nickel).
This research could contribute to the development of more sustainable and efficient methods for producing methane, a clean-burning fuel that can reduce reliance on fossil fuels. By utilizing CO2 as a feedstock, this technology could help mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, this approach could be applied in various industrial settings, such as chemical production and energy generation, leading to more sustainable and efficient processes.
Green Hydrogen from Distillery Waste: Open Access Fuels Global Innovation
Researchers from Heriot-Wall University published their groundbreaking method for producing hydrogen gas from distillery wastewater using a nickel selenide electrocatalyst in Sustainable Energy & Fuels. The open access publication has garnered global attention, with citations from diverse countries and news coverage in 164 outlets. This increased visibility demonstrates the power of open access in accelerating scientific progress and driving real-world impact.
Open Access Drives Global Collaboration for CO2 Removal
Researchers at MIT published an open access study in Energy & Environmental Science detailing a new method for removing CO2 from ocean water. This method avoids expensive membranes and chemicals, offering a more accessible solution. The OA publication has sparked global interest, with citations from diverse countries including China, Brazil and Canada, and discussions on social media.
AI for Cancer Treatment: Open Access Speeds Discovery
Researchers at the University of Toronto have used the RSC’s flagship journal, Chemical Science to showcase AI-powered tools for identifying cancer drug candidates. The study, freely available to all, details how AlphaFold and other AI tools helped discover a novel CDK20 inhibitor. This research has garnered nearly 100 citations and significant media attention, highlighting the impact of open access in accelerating scientific breakthroughs.
Open Access Fuels Fight Against Antibiotic Resistance
Researchers published a groundbreaking study in RSC Chemical Biology that uses mutasynthesis to create new antibiotic variants to combat resistant bacteria. This open access publication tackles the urgent public health threat of antibiotic resistance.
By making this research freely available, its authors are helping to accelerate research, inform public health efforts, and increase global impact. Other scientists can now build upon the findings, leading to faster development of new antibiotics. Additionally, policymakers and healthcare professionals can use this information to combat antibiotic resistance effectively. The study's global accessibility has also driven wider awareness and collaboration among researchers worldwide.
Open Access Promotes Early Detection of Gum Disease
Researchers published a groundbreaking saliva test for detecting gum disease in Sensors & Diagnostics. This open access publication offers a rapid, easy-to-use tool for dentists and potentially even at-home monitoring. The test is based on a novel lateral flow assay that can accurately detect P. gingivalis endotoxin, a key biomarker for periodontal disease.
By making this research freely available, dental clinics, public health organizations, and educational institutions can now integrate this LFA into practice, enhancing early detection and prevention of periodontal diseases. Additionally, open access can facilitate increased public awareness of the importance of oral health and the availability of simple diagnostic tools. Furthermore, researchers, healthcare providers, and diagnostic companies can collaborate to further improve point-of-care testing technologies.
Open Access Cultivates Sustainable Food Source
Researchers published a groundbreaking method in Sustainable Food Technology for growing Euglena gracilis, a highly nutritious microalga, using readily available tomato juice. This open access publication offers a low-cost and accessible alternative to traditional cultivation methods, eliminating the need for expensive nutrients, genetic modification, or animal products.
By making this research freely available, its authors are helping to support accelerated adoption of sustainable food production. They are also driving innovation, expanding educational opportunities, and supporting global health and nutrition. Farmers, food producers, researchers, and the general public can now learn about and adopt this low-cost technique, promoting Euglena gracilis as a sustainable food source. This approach is particularly valuable for communities with limited resources, offering a solution for improving food security and nutrition globally. Additionally, researchers worldwide can build upon this open research to explore other affordable growth mediums or further enhance the cultivation process, accelerating innovation in sustainable food technologies. Educators and students can also freely access this research, increasing awareness of sustainable food production methods and fueling future advancements. Ultimately, the wider availability of this knowledge empowers more people to contribute solutions for addressing malnutrition and food scarcity, benefiting society as a whole.
Progress in open access
We’ve made significant strides in 2024. Some of these include:
Revolutionising open access in Germany:
We launched a new, community-focused open access model in January 2024, co-designed with the Leibniz Information Centre for Science and Technology and University Library (TIB).
The model ensures that the vast majority of publications in RSC journals from German institutions will be published open access, with no author charges.
Fostering global collaboration:
Our head of open access, Sara Bosshart, has been engaging in conversations around the world to understand how the RSC can work with stakeholders to co-create an open future that works for everyone.
Earlier this year, Sara met with representatives across Africa at the Fiesole Retreat in South Africa. Discussions focused on bridging the gap between various viewpoints on open access. Building on these conversations, we are convening a panel of African OA advocates at the Pan-Africa Chemistry Network congress in Nairobi. Here, we will discuss advancing open knowledge dissemination in Africa.
Beyond Africa, Sara has also worked with stakeholders in Europe and the US. From focus groups at UKSG in Glasgow to expert panels at OASPA, these conversations explore the unique challenges and opportunities associated with open access models and author charges.
We are also bringing stakeholders together from across the US at the upcoming Charleston Library conference to co-create a thriving open research ecosystem for the future.
By fostering global conversations and collaboration, the RSC is working to build a truly inclusive and international open access future. This ensures that scientific knowledge is accessible to everyone, regardless of location or background.
Boosting accessibility:
Partnerships with organisations including ResearchGate and ScienceDirect means that the open access research in RSC journals reaches even further, discoverable by scientists across disciplines and offering even more opportunities for progress and impact.
We are empowering scientific communities
It isn’t just about removing paywalls; it’s about empowering community members from all backgrounds to contribute to and benefit from scientific progress. Here are just a few of the things we’ve done to help make this a reality:
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Yusuf Hamied Inspirational Science Programme: This initiative provides educational resources and opportunities for aspiring scientists in India.
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Pan-African Chemistry Network (PACN): Created in 2008 by the RSC, the PACN has worked to build a self-sustaining science community in Africa, collaborating with diverse partners and investing over £2.5 million in local initiatives.
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Chemistry for All: A five-year, £1 million+ investment to develop research and interventions that promote the inclusion of children in deprived areas (UK) in the field of chemistry.
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Joint commitment for action on inclusion and diversity in publishing: We're actively working with other publishers to create a more inclusive and diverse publishing landscape
Join us on the journey
Learn more about our open access publishing options and initiatives and how you can contribute to shaping the future of scientific communication.
