MDPI surpasses 1,000 partners in Institutional Open Access Program
MDPI has announced that more than 1,000 partners have now joined its Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP), with agreements spanning 59 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
The publisher says growth in the programme has accelerated over the past year, with more than 150 new libraries and academic institutions joining IOAP in 2025 alone. An expansion of an existing consortium agreement in Sweden added a further 75 partners in January 2026, enabling MDPI to surpass the 1,000-partner threshold.
MDPI’s IOAP is designed to support affiliated researchers by streamlining submission workflows, reducing administrative complexity, and offering discounted article processing charges (APCs). In 2025, more than 61,300 research articles benefited from APC discounts through the programme, increasing the visibility and accessibility of research produced by partner institutions worldwide.
Stefan Tochev, CEO of MDPI, said: “This milestone marks a significant step towards expanding MDPI’s global impact. Reaching 1,000 IOAP partnerships is a true testament to the growing trust and collaboration we’ve built with universities, libraries, and research organisations worldwide. We are proud to lead the way in Open Access publishing, ensuring researchers have the support they need to reach global audiences.”
“The success of our program is reflected in the growing global demand for open science and quality publishing services,” added Becky Castellon, MDPI institutional partnerships manager. “Equally, institutions are increasingly seeking Open Access publishing options that support funder and national mandates. Joining the IOAP makes compliance simple.”