How is "open access publishing" defined?

Open access publishing is defined as a model that allows free access to research outputs. This means that scholarly articles, research findings, and other types of academic work are available to the public without any financial or legal barriers. The increasing emphasis on open access promotes the dissemination of knowledge and encourages wider engagement with research, facilitating broader dialogue and innovation across disciplines.

By eliminating paywalls and subscription fees, open access publishing democratizes access to research, enabling anyone—regardless of their affiliation or financial resources—to read, share, and build upon scholarly work. This is especially valuable in fostering transparency, collaboration, and broader public participation in research.

In contrast, limiting access to research findings, requiring subscription fees, or restricting the model specifically to scientific journals does not align with the principles of open access publishing, which fundamentally aims to make knowledge freely available to all.