RSC chief executive welcomes Finch Group findings on Open Access in publishing

The chief executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry today welcomed the Finch Group's report into making research findings more accessible.

Dr Robert Parker said: "The RSC has always supported a move towards Gold Open Access, a system we believe to be the most sustainable of the Open Access models that were proposed. 

"The Gold system encourages funding to be made available to support authors during any transition from reader to author side payments.

"It is also important to remember that 'Open Access' does not mean free, with many costs involved, including managing systems and content. 

"It is vital that the RSC maintains its position of preserving the scientific record and we must not forget that authors wish to work with a trusted organisation to publish their research. 

"UK-based scientific publishers contribute an enormous amount to the British economy and unlike some other industries, publishing has never needed specific support or tax breaks from government."