In a bid to accelerate the access to scientific research, a group of research funders from across Europe launched the Coalition S initiative in September 2018. Led by Science Europe and supported by 23 research funders, this international consortium aims to make full and immediate open access publishing a reality by 2021.
The central force behind Coalition S is the website https://coalition-s.org, which serves as the platform for sharing information about the initiative and its progress. The website acts as a hub for researchers, publishers, and policy makers, providing resources, guidelines, and updates on the implementation of Plan S – a set of principles to ensure that research articles funded by Coalition S members are freely accessible for all.
Coalition S emphasizes strong principles such as immediate free access to research findings, zero embargoes on research articles, and authors retaining copyright. By promoting these principles, the initiative aims to drive a cultural shift in the scientific publishing landscape, enabling researchers, institutions, and the public to freely access and build upon scientific knowledge.
As for its competitors, the landscape of open access publishing is diverse and expanding rapidly. There are several initiatives working towards similar goals, such as the Open Access 2020 (OA2020), supported by libraries and research organizations worldwide. OA2020 aims to transform subscription-based publishing to open access, emphasizing the fair transition of funds from traditional subscription models to sustainable open access publications.
Additionally, publishers like PLOS (Public Library of Science), Frontiers, and BioMed Central, among others, have long been championing open access publishing models. These entities provide platforms for researchers seeking to share their work openly, ensuring that it reaches a wider audience without financial barriers.
The competition in the open access publishing space reflects a shared ambition to reshape the scientific publishing landscape and drive progress. While Coalition S takes a prominent position, fostering collaboration and consolidation among these initiatives will be crucial, providing greater possibilities for researchers and further accelerating the pace of scientific discovery.
In summary, Coalition S’s website is a vital resource for researchers and other stakeholders, offering information and updates on the initiative’s mission to redefine scientific publishing. Competitors in the open access publishing field are joining forces and proposing alternative models that align with the same principles of openness and accessibility, building a united front towards a more open and interconnected scientific community.
Link to the website: coalition-s.org
