Dear Neil,
The next-generation Open Access (OA) system must retain the benefits of current OA models including free access, global knowledge sharing, and equitable dissemination; while addressing major problems such as publication costs, quality control, and sustainability. This will be guided by the following scenarios:
1. FIVE CORE PRINCIPLES
a. Universal Accessibility: Knowledge remains freely accessible to all, globally, without paywalls.
b. Equitable Publishing: Researchers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are not disadvantaged by high article processing charges (APCs).
c. Quality Assurance: Peer review and editorial standards are rigorous and transparent.
d. Sustainable Funding: OA operates without shifting costs onto authors or readers unsustainably.
e. Interoperability & Discoverability: Research is easily searchable and machine-readable.
2. FIVE KEY FEATURES OF THE IMPROVED OA SYSTEM
a. Tiered Funding Model
i. Global OA Fund: Supported by governments, philanthropic foundations, and international health organizations, covering APCs for researchers without institutional backing.
ii. Sliding-Scale APCs: Authors with institutional or private funding may contribute proportionally.
iii. Institutional Memberships: Universities and organizations pay annual contributions that subsidize publications.
b. Transparent and Inclusive Peer Review
i. Open Peer Review: Review reports are published alongside articles, improving accountability and credibility.
ii. Diverse Reviewer Pool: Include experts from LMICs to reduce geographic and disciplinary bias.
iii. Post-Publication Review: Community-based evaluation allows corrections and updates after publication.
c. Platform Integration
i. Centralized OA Repository: Articles, datasets, and preprints are stored in a unified, indexed platform.
ii. Machine-Readable Metadata: Facilitates AI-assisted discovery, citation tracking, and evidence synthesis.
iii. Versioning System: Supports updates and corrections without losing citation integrity.
d. Incentives for Contribution
i. Recognition for Reviewers: Peer review contributions are tracked and rewarded, promoting engagement.
ii. Impact Metrics Beyond Citations: Incorporate social impact, policy influence, and practical implementation in evaluation.
e. Community Governance
i. Managed by an international consortium of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to ensure accountability, transparency, and adaptability.
3. FIVE ADVANTAGES OF THE PROPOSED SYSTEM
a. Retains free access and broad dissemination.
b. Reduces financial barriers for authors.
c. Improves transparency and trust in research quality.
d. Encourages global collaboration and inclusivity.
e. Ensures sustainability without sacrificing equity or standards.
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje
CEO and Permanent Representative to the United Nations,
Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) - CSOs Global Network and Think-tank for Health, Climate Actions and Development (Winner of the SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing Champion Award).
<https://afrihealthcsos.blogspot.com/2024/03/about-afrihealth-optonet-ass...
National Coordinator,
Civil Society Partnership for Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria (CSP-SDGs Nigeria)
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje is a leading voice in health education, community health, and advocacy, with decades of experience advancing people-centered development across Africa and beyond. His approach to health education emphasizes participatory learning, knowledge transfer, and behavior change communication, ensuring that individuals and communities gain the skills and awareness to make informed decisions about their health. He develops and delivers innovative health promotion strategies tailored to local realities, particularly in resource-limited settings. In community health, Dr. Adirieje has championed integrated primary health care, preventive medicine, and grassroots health initiatives. Through Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), which he leads, he connects civil society, community groups, and health institutions to strengthen healthcare delivery, tackle health inequities, and improve access to essential services for vulnerable populations. His work addresses infectious diseases, maternal and child health, nutrition, climate and health, environmental health, and emerging public health challenges. As a passionate advocate, Dr. Adirieje works with governments, NGOs, and international organizations to influence health policy, mobilize resources, and promote sustainable development goals (SDGs). He amplifies community voices, ensuring that health systems are inclusive, accountable, and responsive. His advocacy extends beyond health to governance, environment, and social justice, positioning him as a multidisciplinary leader shaping healthier and more equitable societies. afrepton AT gmail.com