WHO Celebrates 25 Years of Research4Life and Access to Science

A quarter-century of access to science

On July 21, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) commemorated 25 years of Research4Life, a public-private partnership that provides researchers, educators, health professionals, and policymakers in low- and middle-income countries with free or low-cost access to scientific knowledge.

From pilot project to global network

Launched in 2001 as a three-year pilot program led by the WHO, Research4Life has evolved into a global initiative. After 25 years, it brings together more than 185 publishers and partner organizations, offering over 12,000 institutions in more than 120 countries access to over 250,000 scientific journals, books, and databases.

Measurable impact on research and equity

Independent studies have documented the program’s impact: scientific publications from beneficiary countries have increased by up to 75%, participation in international clinical trials has grown by over 20%, and opportunities for female researchers have expanded by up to 30% more publications in regions with the greatest structural barriers.

”A global movement for equity”

Sylvie Briand, WHO’s Chief Scientist, described Research4Life as “a global movement for equity in research,” emphasizing that the program not only democratizes access to information but also strengthens local scientific capacity in historically excluded regions.

Priorities for 2030

The anniversary was marked at a Research4Life partners meeting organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), where participating institutions defined the priorities of the Research4Life 2030 Strategy. The goal is to further expand program coverage and adapt it to new challenges of open access to scientific knowledge in the digital era.

Sources: Infosalus / Europa Press.