AIP Publishing has announced changes to its publishing processes to improve accessibility, in alignment with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 AA). Beginning in April 2026, authors will be required to include alternative text (alt text) for visual elements in their articles, including figures, tables, and multimedia content. Alt text provides concise descriptions of visual content and supports the use of screen readers and other assistive technologies.
The requirement will be incorporated into existing author workflows. Accessibility guidance will be introduced at the submission stage, reinforced during revision, and confirmed at the proof stage prior to publication. Built-in checks and prompts will be used to verify that requirements are met, and articles will not proceed to publication without completed alt text.
AIP Publishing states that the change is part of a broader shift in scholarly publishing toward making research more accessible and usable. The organization indicates that implementation is intended to be clear and integrated into current workflows.
AIP Publishing also stated that accessibility efforts will continue to evolve, including updates to platforms and author guidance, with the objective of supporting inclusive research communication and ensuring that published content is accessible to a wide range of readers.
Click here to read the original press release.
