PLOS has released its annual Price Transparency Update, offering the academic community valuable insight into how its publication fees are allocated and used to support journal activities. This update includes reporting from the Plan S Journal Comparison Service, reflecting the publication fees for 2023 and the ways in which these fees contribute to PLOS’s commitment to high ethical standards and the advancement of open access publishing.
According to the update, the breakdown of publication fees for Research Articles in PLOS journals remains largely consistent year-over-year. However, the organization continues to innovate, focusing on new tools, processes, and systems to enhance publication quality and ensure a seamless experience for researchers. In 2023, PLOS invested heavily in its digital infrastructure, further reinforcing its capacity to manage the growing volume of submissions and uphold the highest ethical publishing standards.
While the general fee breakdown for PLOS journals follows a consistent model, there are variations among journals, especially those in their early stages of development. For example, newer journals tend to allocate a larger portion of their publication fees toward Community Development as they grow and establish themselves within their respective fields.
In addition to its commitment to price transparency, PLOS continues to work toward more sustainable and equitable publishing models that move away from relying on Article Processing Charges (APCs). This includes ongoing collaborations with researchers, librarians, and funders to rethink traditional publishing structures. PLOS’s non-profit status allows it to take a leadership role in redefining publishing norms and promoting a more inclusive approach to science communication.
Notably, PLOS received three major grants in 2024 that will help advance its efforts to transform publishing models. These grants include:
• A three-year funding package from the Gates Foundation to support PLOS’s transition to an APC-free publishing model.
• Funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to launch an 18-month Research and Design project. This project aims to develop publishing models that make science more open, accessible, and recognized for all.
Through these initiatives, PLOS is continuing to drive change in the publishing landscape, working toward a future where open access is the norm, and research is available to everyone, regardless of financial or geographic barriers.
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