We are delighted to be working with Research4Life again, supporting the partnership as it plans for its next strategic period.
Research4Life has appointed us to conduct an independent Financial Sustainability Review, which will inform the partnership’s strategic direction for 2028–2032.
The review will examine how Research4Life can continue to deliver value for researchers, institutions and policymakers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) while ensuring long-term financial sustainability. Since 2002, Research4Life has provided more than 12,000 institutions in over 120 countries with free or low-cost access to over 250,000 peer-reviewed journals, books and databases across health, agriculture, the environment, applied sciences and law.
Our work comprises three interconnected strands: strengthening the value proposition for publishers, UN agencies, libraries and researchers; identifying opportunities to diversify Research4Life’s funding base; and developing a draft financial plan for 2028–2032. Over the coming months, we will be conducting interviews with publishers, UN agency partners, librarians and capacity-development organisations.
This project builds on our previous work for Research4Life, including landscape analysis and infrastructure reviews completed in 2019 and 2020.
For 25 years, Research4Life has championed equitable access to research, and we are committed to ensuring our partnership remains strong, relevant and sustainable for the future.
Said Sarah Phibbs, Director of Equity and Inclusion at STM and a member of the Research4Life Executive Committee.
This review will provide us with the evidence base we need to make informed strategic decisions and continue supporting researchers across LMICs.
The review is expected to conclude in mid-2026.
For more information about Research4Life, visit www.research4life.org.
