Read online: https://www.who.int/news/item/21-07-2026-who-marks-25-years-of-research4...
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21 July 2026 News release Geneva
The World Health Organization (WHO) today marks the 25th anniversary of Research4Life, a public-private partnership that provides researchers, educators, health professionals and policy-makers in low- and middle-income countries with affordable or free access to scientific knowledge. The partnership has helped dramatically expand access to scientific knowledge for researchers, educators, health professionals and policy-makers in more than 120 countries.
Since its establishment in 2001 as a three-year pilot initiative led by WHO, Research4Life has grown into one of the world's largest and longest-running public-private partnerships dedicated to equitable access to scientific research. Independent studies show that the programme has increased research publishing by up to 75%, boosted participation in international clinical trials by more than 20%, and strengthened opportunities for women researchers, with publication rates increasing by up to 30% in countries facing the greatest barriers.
"What began as an effort to close the knowledge gap in health has grown into a global movement for research equity," said Dr Sylvie Briand, Chief Scientist, World Health Organization. "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."
When it was launched, Research4Life had just six publishing partners. Today, it brings together more than 185 publishers and partner organizations, providing institutions in low- and middle-income countries with access to biomedical and health research publications.
More than 12 000 institutions now have access to over 250 000 journals, books and databases from many of the world’s leading publishers and research organizations. This access has strengthened research capacity and supported evidence-informed decision-making in low- and middle-income countries.
Over time, Research4Life has expanded beyond providing access to scientific publications to fostering meaningful participation in the global research community. Through training, publishing support and collaborative initiatives, the partnership helps researchers develop the skills, networks and opportunities needed to produce, publish and share high-quality scientific research.
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.
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COMMENT (NPW): Congratulations to Kimberly Parker, WHO, participating publishers and all who have been involved in the development of this hugely successful initiative. I remember well the launch in 2001 at the BMA, London, chaired by BMJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Smith.
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org