Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is marking the 25th anniversary of Research4Life, a partnership aimed at providing affordable or free access to scientific knowledge for researchers, educators, health professionals, and policy-makers in low- and middle-income countries. Launched in 2001 as a three-year pilot, the program now supports more than 12,000 institutions in over 120 countries, offering access to a vast collection of journals, books, and databases from leading publishers and research organizations.
Research4Life began with six publishing partners and has expanded to over 185 partners, enabling access to more than 250,000 scientific publications. Independent studies show the initiative has contributed to research publishing increasing by up to 75% within participating countries and raised participation in international clinical trials by over 20%. The program has also improved opportunities for women researchers, with publication rates rising by up to 30% in regions facing significant barriers.
Beyond information access, Research4Life fosters researchers' engagement in the global scientific community through training, publishing support, and collaborative efforts. These activities help develop the skills, networks, and opportunities needed to produce and share high-quality scientific research.
Dr. Sylvie Briand, WHO Chief Scientist, stated that Research4Life has evolved from bridging health knowledge gaps to promoting research equity worldwide. The partnership continues to update its approach through a 2030 Strategy, addressing ongoing challenges like article processing charges that still limit research dissemination as open science expands.