2025 Open Access Report
Growing the pool of trusted knowledge
53% of our primary research is now published open access (OA). We published over 288,000 OA articles in 2025, 20% growth on the previous year
Source: Springer Nature data.
Research articles including Cureus, but excluding Nature Portfolio reviews and magazine content.
Transformative agreements (TAs) supported publication of 63,000+ OA articles globally
In Springer hybrid titles rather than via author choice.
Source: Springer Nature data.
Authors publishing in our full OA journals benefit from highest usage of all mixed and pure OA publishers — average of 7.6 citations per article, up 21% on previous year
Source: Dimensions.
48% increase in OA journal article downloads and 34% increase in OA book downloads from the previous year
Source: Counter 5:1.
Harsh Jegadeesan
Chief Publishing Officer
“Twenty-five years ago, BMC helped pioneer a publishing model that many saw as a niche alternative. Today, nearly half of all research published globally is available OA and more than half of Springer Nature’s primary research content is now published OA, reflecting the significant progress towards greater openness.
While the transition is moving at different speeds across regions and disciplines, the evidence increasingly points to full (or gold) OA as the most complete and scalable way to make the trusted version of record immediately available for researchers to use, share and build on for the wider benefit of society.
As our sector is reshaped by emerging technologies, researcher practice and funding landscapes, our focus remains on supporting authors and maximising the impact of their work. At the same time, as AI increases the volume and complexity of research, trust becomes even more important. We are investing in the tools, standards and expertise needed to ensure what we publish remains rigorous, reproducible and transparent, combining openness with strong editorial standards and the right use of technology so that OA continues to deliver for all researchers and society.”
Driving the transition to OA, ensuring that all research is open, transparent, trustworthy, equitable and accessible to all
48 new OA journals in 2025, helping ensure researchers across all disciplines can find the right home for their work. A further 14 journals flipped to full Open Access (FOA)
947 new OA books published in 2025. This brings the total up to over 4,000 OA books, up from 160 eleven years ago
19 new and 17 renewed TAs across 2025 with national consortia, government bodies and research institutions. We now have 101 TAs covering 4,400+ institutions globally
Total TA and institution number reflects number in place to dateData relates to Springer and Nature TAs in 2025. Total TA and institution number reflects number in place to date, correct as of end July 2026.
3.1 billion+ downloads of our OA content in 2025, up 75% on last year and equivalent to almost 100 downloads every second
Source: Springer Nature data/Counter 5:1 – relates to both hybrid and full OA articles.
OA has been a central part of our mission for over 25 years.
We remain today as committed to innovation and adaptation as we were then, in our mission to provide value to our research 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
Reach milestone of publishing over 50% of primary research OA.
2025
Researchers from over 4,400 global institutions now supported in publishing OA via Springer Nature TAs. Nature Communications becomes most cited journal globally.
Open access at Springer Nature
Delivering Value
Authors publishing OA with us benefit from the highest usage of their work.
Sustainable OA
TAs remain a key lever driving sustainable, equitable OA transition for all.
Spotlight on: Real world impact
OA research continues to have tangible benefits for society and knowledge.
Spotlight on: Regional OA growth
We are committed to working with partners, globally, to ensure a sustainable, tailored, scalable path for all.
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.
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