WHO celebrates 25 years of Research4Life, improving access to scientific knowledge in more than 120 countries

The World Health Organization (WHO) today marks the 25th anniversary of Research4Life, a public-private partnership that provides affordable or free access to scientific knowledge for researchers, educators, health workers and policy makers in low- and middle-income countries. 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 inception in 2001 as a three-year pilot initiative led by the WHO, Research4Life has grown into one of the largest and longest-running public-private partnerships dedicated to equal access to scientific research. Independent studies show that the program has increased research publication by up to 75%, boosted participation in international clinical trials by more than 20% and strengthened opportunities for female researchers, with publication rates increasing by up to 30% in countries facing the greatest barriers.

“What began as an effort to bridge the health knowledge gap has grown into a global movement for research equity,” said Dr. Sylvie Briand, chief scientist of the World Health Organization. “For 25 years, Research4Life has helped researchers, educators, health professionals and policymakers everywhere access the evidence they need to improve lives and advance sustainable development.”

When it was launched, Research4Life had only 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 more than 250,000 journals, books and databases from many of the world’s leading publishers and research organizations. This approach has strengthened research capacity and supported evidence-based 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 environment evolves, Research4Life continues to adapt through its 2030 strategy. Although open science has increased access to research, article processing fees and other costs continue to prevent many researchers from disseminating their work. Addressing these barriers will be critical to ensuring that scientific knowledge remains a global public good – and that researchers everywhere can benefit from and contribute to it.

Editor’s note

Research4Life is supported by the WHO, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Labor Organization (ILO), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Cornell University, Yale University, the International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers (STM) and hundreds of publishing partners.

25^th the anniversary is marked during the Research4Life Partners Meeting hosted by WIPO, where members reflect on the partnership’s achievements and shape priorities for the Research4Life 2030 strategy.

WHO thanks all partners, past and present, whose commitment helped transform a short-term initiative into an enduring global movement. Together, they continue to strengthen research capacity, advance research equity, and translate knowledge into better health and sustainable development around the world.

ABOUT WHO

Committed to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and advocates global efforts to give everyone, everywhere, an equal opportunity to live a safe and healthy life. We are the United Nations health agency that connects nations, partners and people in more than 150 locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health problems and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to support all countries in promoting, providing and protecting health. “Together for health. Stand with science,” the theme of World Health Day 2026, marks a year-long campaign to highlight science as a foundation for protecting health and well-being around the world.