Cancer Research UK, one of the United Kingdom's leading cancer research charities, has announced a significant shift in its approach to open access publishing. From 1 October 2026, the organisation will no longer provide funding for article processing charges associated with gold open access routes. This decision marks a notable change for researchers at UK universities and research institutes who rely on CRUK grants.
Background to the Policy Shift
For years, Cancer Research UK has supported open access requirements for its funded research. Researchers were expected to make their work freely available, often through payments to publishers for immediate open access in hybrid or fully open access journals. Funding came via block grants to institutions, core grants at CRUK institutes, and sometimes grant underspend. The charity previously participated in joint funds like the Charity Open Access Fund.
The move comes after an internal review highlighted that the current model has not delivered the expected efficiencies or cost savings for the research community. Publishers continue to receive payments for open access articles while also charging institutions for subscriptions to the same journals, creating what critics describe as a double-dipping effect.
Reasons Behind the Decision
CRUK officials have emphasised that the gold open access model, while well-intentioned, has not achieved its goals of making research more accessible and affordable. Instead, article processing charges have become a significant expense, with limited evidence of widespread transition away from subscription models. The charity estimates that ending this funding will free up £5.2 million over three years, which can be redirected directly to cancer research projects.
Concerns about predatory publishing practices and the overall pace and cost of academic publishing have also played a role. CRUK continues to advocate for broader changes in how research is evaluated, including support for the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment to reduce reliance on journal impact factors.
Implications for UK Universities and Researchers
UK higher education institutions that host CRUK-funded researchers will need to adapt their open access support systems. University libraries managing transformative agreements may see reduced contributions from CRUK towards those deals. Researchers at institutions like University College London, the University of Manchester, and the University of Birmingham will face new decisions about where and how to publish.
Many academics in cancer research fields may turn to green open access options, depositing accepted manuscripts in repositories such as Europe PMC after a six-month embargo period. This route allows compliance without immediate payment but delays full public access compared to gold routes.
Early career researchers and those at smaller institutions could feel the impact most acutely, as they often have fewer alternative funding sources for publication costs. University administrators are likely to review internal policies on covering these expenses from other budgets.
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Stakeholder Perspectives Across the Sector
Library and open access teams at UK universities have begun discussing the practical changes. Some see the decision as a prompt for publishers to develop more sustainable pricing models. Others worry about potential reductions in immediate open access output from CRUK-supported work.
Researchers themselves have mixed views. While many support the principle of open access, the financial burden and the hybrid journal model have drawn criticism. The policy change aligns with growing sector-wide conversations about the economics of scholarly communication.
Other UK research funders and charities are watching closely. Similar reviews of open access funding policies are underway at several organisations, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with current arrangements.
Alternatives and Compliance Options
Under the updated policy, CRUK-funded research must still be made openly available. The preferred route remains gold open access where possible, but without CRUK funding. Where costs cannot be met, green open access with a six-month embargo is acceptable, with deposition in Europe PMC.
Researchers are encouraged to check journal policies in advance and explore institutional open access funds or other external sources. Preprint servers continue to offer an immediate way to share findings before formal publication.
Institutions may strengthen support for repository deposits and negotiate better terms in future agreements with publishers.
Broader Context in UK Higher Education
This development occurs against a backdrop of financial pressures on UK universities, including rising costs and static or declining public funding in some areas. Open access mandates from funders like UK Research and Innovation and the Wellcome Trust remain in place, creating a complex landscape for researchers juggling multiple requirements.
University libraries have invested heavily in transformative agreements, but questions persist about their long-term viability. The CRUK decision adds to debates about how best to achieve widespread open access without unsustainable costs.
Future Outlook and Potential Developments
CRUK has stated that it remains committed to open access principles and hopes the policy change will encourage publishers and institutions to find fairer economic models. The charity continues to support wider reforms in research assessment and dissemination.
Over the coming months, UK universities will likely issue guidance to their researchers. Sector bodies such as Universities UK and the Society of College, National and University Libraries may facilitate discussions on collective responses.
Longer term, the move could accelerate experimentation with alternative publishing models, including diamond open access and publish-review-curate approaches.
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Practical Steps for Researchers and Institutions
Researchers holding or applying for CRUK funding should review the updated open access policy on the charity's website. Planning publication strategies early, including checking repository options, will help maintain compliance.
Institutions can audit current spending on open access from CRUK sources and explore ways to support researchers through other means where appropriate. Training sessions on green open access routes may become more common.
Collaboration between libraries, research offices, and academic departments will be essential to navigate the transition smoothly.
Conclusion
Cancer Research UK's decision to end support for gold open access fees represents a pragmatic response to challenges in the current publishing ecosystem. While it introduces new considerations for UK higher education, it also opens opportunities to rethink how research is shared for maximum benefit to science and patients. The focus now shifts to developing sustainable alternatives that keep the principles of openness alive while protecting resources for core research activities.