The American Society for Microbiology has met the sustainability target for the 2026 subscription year under its Subscribe to Open (S20) model, ensuring that six primary research journals will continue to be published open access in 2026.
Following the successful launch of the S2O model in 2025, the society has achieved the target for a second consecutive year. The outcome supports wider accessibility, collaboration, and innovation across the microbial sciences.
As one of the largest society publishers, ASM continues to focus on expanding global access to high-quality microbiological research while advancing sustainable, community-driven publishing practices. The achievement reflects support from libraries, consortia, and institutional partners across academic, government, and corporate sectors, along with continued engagement from ASM members.
With the 2026 target met, all six S2O journals will allow authors at all institutions, regardless of subscription status, to publish open access and comply with open-access policies. Journal content for 2026 will remain openly accessible.
By removing financial barriers to publishing and access, the S2O model enables scientists, including early-career researchers and those with limited resources, to participate more fully in the global research community. Continued progress under the program is expected to support broader reach and impact of microbiological research.
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