Dutch universities, research institutions, and Elsevier, a global leader in scientific information and analytics, have entered into new reading, publishing, and Scopus agreements aimed at strengthening the Netherlands’ position as a global leader in open- access publishing. The agreements, which take effect from January 1, 2025, will run for two years, with an option to extend for a third year.
Reaffirming Commitment to Open Access
The newly signed read and publish agreement underscores the Dutch research community’s continued commitment to advancing open access. Under this agreement, participating institutions will retain full reading access to Elsevier’s peer-reviewed journal portfolio via ScienceDirect, while also securing 100% open-access publishing rights in eligible Elsevier journals. This milestone agreement facilitates greater transparency in privacy, artificial intelligence (AI), text and data mining, and user rights, ensuring Dutch researchers can maximize their contributions to the global scientific landscape.
Anton Pijpers, representing the Universities of the Netherlands, expressed optimism about the renewed partnership:
“We are pleased with the renewal of the agreement with Elsevier for Dutch institutions. The collaboration in recent years has created an efficient process for researchers to publish their work, and we continue to work towards better frameworks for privacy, AI, text and data mining, and user rights. Despite major financial cutbacks in Dutch higher education, this agreement allows us to proceed with making Dutch research as openly accessible as possible, while exploring new models for the future.”
In addition to open access publishing, a separate agreement grants Dutch institutions continued access to Scopus, the world’s largest multidisciplinary abstract and citation database, providing valuable insights to advance Dutch research further.
Enhancing Research and Collaboration
The agreements align with the Netherlands’ strategic ambition to foster an open, innovative, and collaborative research environment. Laura Hassink, Managing Director for Elsevier’s Scientific, Technical, and Medical Journals, emphasized Elsevier’s long-standing commitment to supporting Dutch researchers:
“The aim of the new agreement is to further support the Netherlands’ research ambitions and maintain the trusted relationship we have built with the research community over many years. Open access is an integral part of how Elsevier supports researchers in advancing knowledge, and our agreement reflects the objectives of Dutch research and the current economic landscape, offering fair value for both parties. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership in the Netherlands, helping to advance science and improve health outcomes.”
Through these agreements, Dutch researchers will benefit from:
- Unrestricted access to ScienceDirect, ensuring a seamless research workflow.
- Full open access publishing rights, increasing global visibility and impact of Dutch research.
- Improved support for AI, data mining, and privacy concerns, enabling cutting-edge research opportunities.
- Access to Scopus, facilitating comprehensive literature searches and citation tracking.
A Model for Future Open Access Agreements
The agreements also signify an important step towards greater transparency and accessibility, addressing concerns about privacy, AI ethics, and user rights in the digital research landscape. With growing global interest in open science initiatives, the Netherlands’ approach serves as a model for other nations looking to transition towards sustainable and equitable open-access publishing models.
The full contract details will be publicly available and registered in the ESAC Registry, reinforcing the principles of transparency and accountability in scholarly publishing.
Looking Ahead
As Dutch institutions continue to navigate financial challenges and evolving research needs, these agreements provide a strategic foundation to ensure that knowledge sharing remains at the forefront of academic and scientific progress. By embracing open access and leveraging Elsevier’s technological expertise, the Netherlands reaffirms its position as a pioneering force in the global research ecosystem.
For further details and updates, the agreement will soon be accessible via the ESAC Registry.