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OASE+ and Elsevier Partnership to Enhance Open Access Publishing in Japan

In a groundbreaking agreement, OASE+ (Open Access for Scholarly Empowerment +) and Elsevier have decided to extend their collaboration on open access publishing in Japan. This new agreement, which will be in effect from 2027 to 2029, aims to revolutionize the way Japanese researchers can publish their work while ensuring greater accessibility to scientific knowledge.

A New Framework for Open Access Publishing

The agreement builds on a previous framework established between Elsevier and the Japan Alliance of University Library Consortia for E-Resources (JUSTICE), running from 2024 to 2026. Notably, it eliminates the annual cap on the number of open access articles that can be published, thus allowing for increased flexibility and productivity for researchers participating in the program. From 2027 onward, researchers from Japanese institutions will have the opportunity to publish their work open access in eligible Core Hybrid journals under the conditions specified in the new Read and Publish agreement.

Expanding Participation Beyond Universities

For the first time, this agreement allows participation from national research and development agencies, significantly expanding the scope of the open access initiative and involving a substantial segment of publicly funded research in Japan. This broadened participation aligns with Japan's standing as one of the largest producers of scientific research globally and is expected to enhance the visibility and accessibility of Japanese research findings on an international scale.

Reaching Global Audiences

The increased availability of open access publishing will facilitate greater collaboration across borders and will ensure that Japanese research informs scientific, practical, and policy decision-making both within the country and beyond its borders. This venture dovetails with the Japanese government's National Policy on Promoting Open Access to Publicly Funded Scholarly Publications and Scientific Data, aiming to enrich the academic community globally.

Insights from Key Stakeholders

Professor Yasuteru Shigeta, Chair of OASE+, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the prospects of this agreement. He noted, "As researchers will be allowed to publish without any caps on the number of open access articles, we are excited about the potential visibility this will bring to Japan’s research. We hope this agreement serves as a significant pathway to positively impact the global research landscape."

On the other side of the partnership, Gemma Hersh, Senior Vice President at Elsevier, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. "We are thrilled to solidify our long-standing partnership with the Japanese research community. The insight gathered from the institutions participating in this agreement has been invaluable in creating a broader framework that accommodates the diverse needs of Japan's research base. It is vital that Japan's scientific contributions are accessible to researchers around the world,” she remarked.

The Road Ahead

As of now, 167 institutions have shown interest in joining the agreement with Elsevier, though participation will require independent evaluation and expression of interest from each institution. The seamless integration of reading access with open access publishing under this framework promises to bring a new dimension to the dissemination of knowledge in Japan. Each institution will assess its capability to participate and establish contract commencement dates, promoting a collaborative environment for academic excellence.

Conclusion

With the introduction of a flexible and comprehensive open access publishing model, the partnership between OASE+ and Elsevier marks a significant milestone for Japan's research landscape. By breaking down previous constraints and expanding eligibility, this new agreement is set to transform how Japanese research is shared and enhanced, contributing greater value to universities, research institutions, and ultimately, the global scientific community.