The Public Library of Science (PLOS) has received a $3.3 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support its ongoing transformation towards APC-free (Article Processing Charges-free) publishing models. The three-year funding underscores PLOS’s dedication to dismantling financial barriers in scholarly publishing and expanding open access for researchers globally.
This grant will enable Gates-funded authors to publish with PLOS without facing APCs, while also contributing to broader open-access options for authors without dedicated funding. The funding aligns with PLOS’s mission to pioneer new models of publishing that promote equitable access to research.
PLOS has been exploring alternatives to the traditional APC model since 2020. With this grant, PLOS will continue its research and design projects focused on innovative business models grounded in open science. These efforts aim to make publishing more accessible, particularly for researchers from diverse economic backgrounds.
The grant will also support PLOS's initiatives to enhance the capture and dissemination of funding metadata, improving transparency in research financing. Additionally, PLOS will experiment with posting peer reviews alongside preprints during the evaluation process to promote greater openness in scholarly communication. As a long-time advocate for early research sharing through preprints, PLOS maintains strong partnerships with platforms such as bioRxiv, medRxiv, and earthRxiv.
This latest funding highlights PLOS’s continued efforts to create inclusive publishing solutions and reduce financial hurdles for researchers worldwide. The Gates Foundation’s support reinforces the importance of transitioning to publishing models that prioritize accessibility and transparency.
PLOS’s innovative approach is set to pave the way for a more open and equitable future in scholarly communication.
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