The University of Strathclyde has been placed fourth in a global ranking of more than 1,500 educational institutions for accessibility of research publications.

Strathclyde has attained the high placing in the CWTS Leiden Ranking Open Edition 2024, with a total of 92.6% of its outputs between 2019 and 2022 published via Open Access. This is the highest ranking for any institution in Scotland and the second highest in the UK.

Open Access publishing of research outputs, including papers, results, methodologies and data, makes it free and accessible to all, without the need for subscriptions to individual journals.

Based on open data from OpenAlex, an open literature database, the CWTS Leiden Ranking Open Edition offers fully transparent information about the scientific performance of major universities worldwide.

Beneficial impact

Elaine Blaxter, University Librarian and Head of Library Services at Strathclyde, said: “Research is at the heart of Strathclyde’s activity. It supports the development of medicines, technology and professional practice; shapes and enhances our teaching and informs public policy.

“Making our research outputs freely accessible to others, including those beyond the university, increases that beneficial impact on society and potentially inspires others.

I am delighted that the hard work of the Scholarly Publications & Research Data team in the University Library and that of our academics, has increased access to the university research outputs to this internationally recognised high level.

As a leading international technological university with socially progressive values, Strathclyde is committed to advancing Open Research policy and practice to maximise the benefits for academia, industry and society. 

Strathclyde is progressing towards fully open access publishing and open research data in line with the FAIR Principles – findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability.