2024 Open Access Report
Expanding the global pool of knowledge for all
50% of our primary research is now published open access (OA).
We published 240k OA articles in 2024, 31% growth on the previous year
Source: Springer Nature data.
Research articles including Cureus, but excluding Nature Portfolio reviews and magazine content.
Transformative Agreements (TAs) powered 10 x more gold OA articles in 2024, up from 7x in 2023
In Springer hybrid titles rather than via author choice.
Source: Springer Nature data.
Authors publishing in our full OA journals continue to benefit from the highest usage
Source: Dimensions.
30% increase in OA journal article downloads and 31% increase in OA book downloads from the previous year
Source: Counter 5:1 .
Harsh Jegadeesan
Chief Publishing Officer
“In 2021, we set an ambitious goal: to make 50% of our primary research OA by the end of 2024. We’re proud to have achieved it—thanks to a focused strategy built on scaling sustainably, innovation, and global collaboration.
We are committed to progressing the transition to OA with every Springer Nature-owned journal offering authors an immediate OA option when their article is accepted. We are continuing to invest in our journals and book portfolio, technology and our people, and we are innovating to ensure equity in OA. The transition to OA is complex, but using our experience, knowledge of TAs, and working closely with funders, institutions and partners across the world, we are focused on making the shift to OA an option for all economies and regions.
Whilst we have achieved some strong milestones this year this does not mean we are taking a step back. Transformation depends on collaboration—and we’re committed to moving forward, sustainably together.”
Ensuring science is open, transparent, trustworthy, equitable and accessible to all is central to our mission, and has been for over 20 years
68 new journals launched in 2024, including three Cureus titles,
ensuring we support all researchers with finding a home for their work
796 new OA books published. We have now published over 3,300 OA books, up from 160 10 years ago
22 new TAs in 2024. We now have 80+ TAs globally covering 3,700+ institutions
Data relates to both Springer and Nature TAs. Total TA and institution number correct as of H1 2025.
1.7 billion+ downloads of our OA articles in 2024, up 30% on the previous year
Source: Springer Nature data/Counter 5:1.
We have a proud and longstanding heritage in publishing OA and continue to provide value to our researcher and wider communities.
2000
BMC is the first commercial OA publisher.
2005
First Springer full OA journal.
2010
SpringerOpen full OA portfolio launched.
2011
Scientific Reports launched - now the world’s largest OA journal.
First OA book published.
2014
Nature Communications becomes full OA.
2015
First publish-and-read deal begins—paves the way for today’s TAs.
2021
One millionth OA article published by Springer Nature.
2023
Roll-out of Snapp, Springer Nature’s award winning in-house system—supporting OA growth in publishing.
2024
50% of primary research published OA.
3,700+ institutions globally benefiting from TAs.
Open access at Springer Nature
Expanding knowledge
50% of our primary research is published OA. Authors publishing OA with us benefit from the highest usage of their work.
Spotlight on TAs
Key lever driving sustainable, equitable OA transition for all.
Partnerships and collaboration
We are committed to working collaboratively with our community to ensure the OA transition aligns with needs.
What’s next in OA?
Committed to investing in tech and working collaboratively to eliminate barriers, driving forward an inclusive, reproducible, equitable transition to OA.
Spotlight on science communication
We are committed to ensuring the discoverability of our authors’ work, helping them reach new audiences.
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