WHO marks 25 years of Research4Life, advancing access to scientific knowledge in more than 120 countries
Independent studies show the initiative has increased research publishing by up to 75% and boosted participation in international clinical trials by more than 20%
The World Health Organization (WHO) has marked the 25th anniversary of Research4Life, a public-private partnership established in 2001 to provide affordable or free access to scientific knowledge for researchers, educators, health professionals, and policy-makers in low- and middle-income countries. Since its inception as a three-year pilot initiative, the programme has evolved into one of the world’s largest and longest-running efforts dedicated to equitable access to scientific research.
The initiative now supports more than 12,000 institutions across over 120 countries, granting access to more than 250,000 journals, books, and databases from over 185 publishing partners. Independent studies indicate the programme has increased research publishing by up to 75%, boosted participation in international clinical trials by more than 20%, and increased publication rates for women researchers by up to 30% in countries facing the greatest barriers.
Dr Sylvie Briand, Chief Scientist at the WHO, stated that the initiative has grown from a short-term pilot into a global movement for research equity. "What began as an effort to close the knowledge gap in health has grown into a global movement for research equity," she said. "For 25 years, Research4Life has helped ensure that researchers, educators, health professionals and policy-makers everywhere can access the evidence they need to improve lives and advance sustainable development."
The anniversary was commemorated at a Research4Life Partners Meeting hosted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), where members reviewed achievements and shaped priorities for the Research4Life 2030 Strategy. The partnership is supported by the WHO, WIPO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Cornell University, Yale University, the International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers (STM), and hundreds of publishing partners.
As the global research landscape evolves, Research4Life continues to adapt through its 2030 Strategy. Although open science has increased access to research, article processing charges and other costs continue to prevent many researchers from disseminating their work. Addressing these barriers will be essential to ensuring that scientific knowledge remains a global public good—and that researchers everywhere can both benefit from and contribute to it.
The 25th anniversary coincides with World Health Day 2026, which carries the theme “Together for health. Stand with science”. This year-long campaign highlights science as the foundation for protecting health and well-being worldwide, reinforcing the role of evidence-based approaches in public health systems.
