The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine extends its heartfelt appreciation to STM’s publisher partners for their pivotal role in providing free access to an extensive repository of resources through the Research4Life program. This noble endeavor has facilitated access to more than 28,000 peer-reviewed journals and an impressive collection of 100,000 e-books, enabling Ukrainian researchers to persist in their scholarly pursuits even amidst the challenges of conflict.
In a poignant letter, Yevhen Kudriavets, the Temporary Acting Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, lauded the invaluable lifeline extended by Research4Life's partner publishers. He described how the program's support has become synonymous with resilience, allowing Ukrainian scientists to persevere in their vital research endeavors amidst the uncertainties of war.
The impactful partnership between Research4Life and Ukrainian institutions, established in 2022 under the Group A category, has proven to be a beacon of hope for Ukraine's research community. Research4Life's commitment to Ukraine remains steadfast as it extends the free access initiative through 2024. This extension not only ensures the continuity of research activities but also reinforces the unwavering support of the global scientific community in times of adversity.
Beyond extended access, the partnership explores innovative avenues to bolster Ukraine's research ecosystem. Initiatives include the translation of massive open online courses (MOOCs) into Ukrainian and advocating for publishers to waive processing fees for open access publications. This dynamic collaboration stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of Ukrainian researchers and underscores the global community's commitment to fostering knowledge dissemination amidst challenging circumstances.
Ukraine's integration into the Research4Life Country Connectors Network further enriches the local research landscape. By joining this network, Ukrainian libraries become pivotal hubs for fostering evidence-based research and nurturing a vibrant community of knowledge users.
Founded in 2001, Research4Life remains a cornerstone of equitable research publishing, enabling access to free and affordable academic content and promoting information literacy and research communication. Through partnerships with UN agencies, universities, and over 200 publisher partners, Research4Life extends its reach to 11,000 institutions across 125 countries, embodying the collaborative spirit that transcends borders. Initiatives like Friends of Research4Life continue to shape the landscape of inclusive and impactful research dissemination.
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