More than 100 German universities and research institutions have joined a national agreement with MDPI, a leading open access publisher, to promote accessible and cost-effective scientific publishing. The agreement, negotiated by ZB MED – Information Centre for Life Sciences, will take effect on January 1, 2025, and remain valid until the end of 2026. Institutions can continue to join the consortium until early 2025.
This collaboration aims to simplify and reduce the cost of gold open access publishing for researchers in Germany. It provides substantial discounts on article processing charges (APCs) for corresponding authors affiliated with participating institutions. Researchers and institutions also benefit from flexible payment options, including centralized invoicing or individual payments, as well as a flat-fee model that enables precise budget planning and optimized library spending.
The agreement reflects the growing demand for transparent and affordable publishing solutions and supports the advancement of open access in Germany. It reduces administrative burdens while ensuring researchers can share their work internationally and enhance its visibility.
The partnership highlights a shared vision of promoting scientific excellence and global accessibility, empowering researchers to contribute to the future of open science.
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