The Royal Society’s adoption of the Subscribe to Open (S2O) model marks a significant milestone for open access publishing, particularly benefiting researchers across New Zealand’s universities and research institutions. Beginning in 2026, eight of the Society’s subscription journals will transition to full open access, allowing New Zealand academics to both read and publish without financial barriers.
Understanding the Subscribe to Open Model
Subscribe to Open is an innovative approach where libraries continue their subscriptions, and in return, the journals become fully open access for that year. This model removes article processing charges (APCs) for authors while ensuring sustainable funding through institutional support. For 2026, the Royal Society confirmed sufficient library participation to make this possible across its hybrid journals.
The affected titles include Proceedings of the Royal Society A and B, Philosophical Transactions A and B, Journal of the Royal Society Interface, Biology Letters, Interface Focus, and Notes and Records. These represent some of the most prestigious outlets in science, mathematics, and the history of science.
Relevance to New Zealand Higher Education
New Zealand universities such as the University of Auckland, University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, and Massey University have long contributed to Royal Society journals. The S2O shift eliminates APCs, which can range from several thousand dollars, making high-impact publishing more accessible for early-career researchers and those at smaller institutions.
Library consortia and university librarians in New Zealand have played a role in supporting such models through collective agreements, aligning with national priorities for equitable access to research outputs.
Benefits for NZ Researchers and Institutions
Full open access increases visibility and citation potential for New Zealand research. Studies published under CC-BY licences can be freely shared, downloaded, and built upon globally. This is especially valuable for work addressing Pacific issues, indigenous knowledge, climate science, and biodiversity—areas where New Zealand researchers excel.
Universities benefit from reduced publishing costs and enhanced compliance with funder open access mandates. The model supports the Tertiary Education Strategy’s emphasis on research excellence and impact.
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Comparison with Other Open Access Approaches
Unlike gold open access, which requires authors or institutions to pay APCs, S2O leverages existing subscription budgets. Diamond open access, another no-fee model, often relies on institutional or society funding. S2O offers a scalable middle path that has proven successful for other publishers.
New Zealand’s own Royal Society Te Apārangi journals already offer open access options through partnerships, complementing the international opportunities provided by the UK Royal Society’s initiative.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Librarians appreciate the predictability of S2O, as it maintains familiar subscription workflows while advancing open access goals. Researchers welcome the removal of financial hurdles. University administrators see opportunities for greater research dissemination and international collaboration.
Early feedback from similar S2O implementations indicates sustained or increased submission rates, suggesting the model does not compromise quality or prestige.
Challenges and Considerations
Long-term sustainability depends on continued library participation each year. If thresholds are not met in future years, journals could revert to hybrid models. Institutions must communicate the value of S2O to secure ongoing support.
Authors should verify eligibility and follow submission guidelines to ensure their work qualifies for the no-APC benefit in 2026.
Future Outlook for Open Access in NZ
The 2026 transition positions New Zealand researchers advantageously as global open access accelerates. Combined with local initiatives and Read & Publish agreements, it expands pathways for high-quality, accessible scholarship.
Continued advocacy through bodies like the Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL) and New Zealand library networks will be key to maximising these opportunities.
Practical Steps for NZ Academics
- Check the Royal Society’s author guidelines for 2026 submissions.
- Confirm institutional subscription status with your university library.
- Plan research timelines to align with the full open access window.
- Explore complementary funding or agreements for other journals.
Implications for PhD Students and Early Career Researchers
PhD candidates and postdocs in New Zealand stand to gain significantly. Without APC concerns, they can target these prestigious journals earlier in their careers, building stronger publication records for academic job applications and grant proposals.
