French STM publisher launches zero-APC option

The French STM publisher EDP Sciences has launched a new model where authors choose their own price to publish an article in open access.

The Liberty APCs model means that authors can choose the level of article processing charge (APC) they will pay to publish their article – and this includes an option to pay no charge. It is expected that they will investigate all options for funding – for example from their funding body, their institution or their organisation, but ultimately it will be their decision how much to pay.
 
Jean-Marc Quilbé, president of EDP Sciences said: 'At EDP sciences we have a commitment to open access and a history of working closely with the research community.

'With Liberty APCs, we want to learn whether authors are willing to be involved in the development of Open Access publishing and whether cost is an obstacle. We also aim, through this model, to give more opportunities for publishing in Open Access as we know not all authors have access to the same levels of funding.'
 
Agnès Henri, editorial director of EDP Sciences, added: 'It is important to stress that the amount of Liberty APC paid will not be reflected in any way on the publication process. The editors-in-chief will have absolutely no access to payment information, therefore all articles published under this model will undergo the same rigorous, independent peer review and publication process as all our journals, and there will be no compromise on quality.'