STM publisher Elsevier, Netherlands, has announced the launch of the Postdoc Free Access Program, a new initiative designed to help early career researchers who are in between research positions stay up-to-date in their field.
For scholars who have recently received their PhD and currently do not have a research position, the programme will offer postdocs a Free Access Passport, with complimentary access to journals and books on ScienceDirect for up to 6 months.
The global economic climate for science funding has created new challenges for post doctoral students, especially for those looking for employment. In response to this growing trend, the programme was conceived by editors and publishers at Elsevier who began to hear from postdocs in countries where funding has been hit hardest. Many emphasised the mounting pressure to stay competitive and publish, in many cases without the resources to do so.
In order to qualify for the Free Access Passport, candidates will be asked to fill out a form verifying their credentials, before December 15, 2012. Once approved, they will receive a personal code allowing access to ScienceDirect.
More information about the programme and the application form can be accessed at www.elsevier.com/postdocfreeaccess
