Springer Nature defends hybrid model

Funding for hybrid journals should be maintained, as this model has allowed publishers to take big strides towards open-access publishing in the UK, according to publisher Springer Nature.

In a report published on 17 May, Springer Nature said that it was “vital” that the government and research funders recognised the role that hybrid journals play in delivering gold open-access.

In 2017, 77 per cent of Springer Nature publications with UK corresponding authors were published via gold open-access, the report said; a 174 per cent increase since 2013.