European Commission considering leap into open-access publishing

The European Commission may follow the Wellcome Trust and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and set up a “publishing platform” for the scientists it funds. The aim is to try to accelerate the transition to open-access publishing in Europe. If the commission is only “considering” the idea, a “decision” to create the platform had already been made. This decision is warmly welcomed by open access experts. The benefits for scientists are outlined, as well as the obstacles set by traditional publishers.