Cambridge Core passes one billion scholarly research downloads
Cambridge Core has surpassed one billion downloads of scholarly research since its launch in 2016, as Cambridge University Press reports that three quarters of its new research articles are now published open access.
The milestones feature in the organisation’s 2025–26 annual report, which outlines developments in open access publishing, support for under-represented scholars and changes to academic book production.
Mandy Hill, managing director, Cambridge University Press, said: “We believe that academic inquiry is not only a catalyst for societal advancements, but it’s a vital mechanism for nurturing inquisitive minds and preparing future leaders.
“In 2026, three quarters of all research articles published by Cambridge have been open access, making them entirely free to read. Reaching the milestone of one billion downloads via our Cambridge Core platform illustrates the global reach and impact of our scholarly publishing and the value our content brings to readers worldwide.”
Cambridge’s Open Equity Initiative automatically waives publication fees for eligible authors across more than 5,000 institutions in over 100 countries, including researchers in conflict-affected countries such as Ukraine, Afghanistan and Sudan. Since its inception, the initiative has supported the open access publication of more than 750 research articles.
For libraries and institutions, Cambridge also reported introducing a transparent pricing policy intended to prevent them paying twice for content that has already received open access funding.
The annual report highlights findings from Cambridge’s Publishing Futures report, based on a community-led review and survey spanning 120 countries. It identified four interconnected pressures facing scholarly publishing: unsustainable publication volumes, risks to financial sustainability, widening inequalities and academic reward systems that incentivise quantity over quality.
Cambridge said it was acting on these findings by examining how research is incentivised, produced and reviewed. The report also raises concerns about the proliferation of research outputs, compounded by generative AI, and its implications for research integrity and discoverability.
In academic books, Cambridge reported moving to a 95 per cent print-on-demand model for new titles. It said printing closer to customers had reduced air freight emissions, while helping keep most of its extensive back catalogue available to scholars.
The publisher also launched the Amplify Grant, providing financial support and editorial guidance for researchers developing their first book manuscripts. The inaugural grants focused on history and area studies, supporting scholars from under-represented backgrounds and diverse geographical locations.
Journal developments included the launch of Cambridge Materials, an open access collection of four journals addressing materials science and global sustainability. Cambridge’s open access journal Public Humanities received the Best New Journal award at the 2026 PROSE awards.
Across the wider Cambridge University Press & Assessment organisation, annual revenue totalled £1.07 billion. That figure includes its English language and education businesses alongside academic publishing.
Peter Phillips, chief executive of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, wrote in the report:
“Amid so much continuing change, it is essential that we stay true to Cambridge’s mission and values. Quality and the standards we uphold defined our work this year, as they have done throughout our history. Our mission remains unchanging, but the way we deliver it must be constantly reinvented as the world evolves.”