In a move designed to simplify the publication process and reduce administrative hassles for authors, eLife has introduced a streamlined system for handling publication fees. This new approach eliminates the need for authors to manage fee invoices, allowing them to concentrate on the submission of their work. Currently, this system is available to authors with significant contributions from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), and eLife has plans to extend it to authors from other research institutions in the coming months.
eLife's innovative initiative builds upon a similar system established in collaboration with the Max Planck Society since January 2017. While the process remains consistent for authors, the handling of invoices varies between eLife and the participating organizations.
HHMI, one of eLife's founding supporters, has a long-standing commitment to promoting innovation in open-access publishing. In January 2023, eLife introduced its new publishing model, wherein preprints submitted for review are published on the eLife website as "Reviewed Preprints," accompanied by public reviews and eLife's assessment. This model aims to expedite the publication process, enhance fairness, and increase transparency for researchers.
To further this objective, HHMI has partnered with eLife to simplify the payment process for lab heads who publish their work as Reviewed Preprints. Eligible authors can now declare their affiliation during the submission process, and HHMI will manage the invoice on their behalf through a centralized account if the paper is sent for review.
eLife plans to expand this simplified payment process to its other funding partners and additional institutions once it is fully established. Interested institutions are encouraged to reach out to eLife for further details.
eLife's commitment to reducing the administrative burden on authors and fostering a more efficient and transparent research publication process marks a significant step forward in the world of academic publishing.
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