Witten/Herdecke University Joins JMIR’s Open Access Publishing Partnership

JMIR Publications, a prominent open-access publisher in digital health research, has announced that Witten/Herdecke University has joined its Flat-Fee Unlimited Open Access Publishing Agreement through ZB Med, Germany’s national research infrastructure for life sciences. This partnership, effective from July 1, 2025, provides Witten/Herdecke University with streamlined access to all JMIR Publications journals, enhancing the visibility of their research without the burden of Article Processing Charges (APCs).

Enhancing Research Accessibility

The inclusion of Witten/Herdecke University marks the third German institution to join this agreement in 2025. Facilitated by Ulrike Weichern of KGL Accucoms, the partnership aims to further the principles of open access and support researchers in showcasing their work on an international platform. Weichern expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “It was a pleasure to collaborate with the University of Witten-Herdecke, JMIR, and ZB Med on their common goal of further advancing the idea of open access.”

As a member of the consortium, Witten/Herdecke University will have central access to JMIR’s extensive portfolio of over 30 Gold Open Access journals. This arrangement is designed to maximize efficient use of the university’s budget while increasing the global reach of their research publications.

Impact on Open Research

The partnership exemplifies JMIR’s commitment to reducing financial barriers for researchers. Dennis O’Brien, Vice President of Communications and Partnerships at JMIR Publications, noted that the addition of Witten/Herdecke University reinforces the value of the Flat-Fee Unlimited Open Access Publishing offer. “Their decision to join provides the partnership with positive momentum going into the fall enrollment period,” O’Brien stated.

For researchers affiliated with participating institutions, this flat-fee agreement eliminates APCs, thereby simplifying the publication process and fostering a more accessible environment for open access publishing. This initiative aligns with ZB Med’s mission to support life sciences researchers throughout the entire research cycle, promoting open science principles.

The agreement extends until December 31, 2026, providing ample opportunity for Witten/Herdecke University to leverage this partnership in advancing its research visibility and accessibility. JMIR Publications is dedicated to championing open science, ensuring that researchers can effectively disseminate their findings without financial constraints.

For more information about JMIR Publications and its initiatives, visit their website at jmirpublications.com or connect with them on social media platforms.