I publish my academic work open access because I believe the true value of research lies in its ability to reach and impact people. The high cost of journal subscriptions, especially from large for-profit publishers, creates a significant barrier for many individuals and institutions. Smaller schools, independent researchers, and certainly those without institutional affiliations often cannot afford access to these vital resources. Without open access, much of the knowledge generated through academic research remains locked behind paywalls, inaccessible to those who could benefit most from it. For me, creating knowledge is only meaningful if it is available to all who seek it.
Moreover, my commitment to social justice drives my choice. Justice is about breaking down barriers that perpetuate inequity, and economic obstacles to accessing knowledge are a clear form of exclusion. By choosing to publish open access, I aim to reduce these barriers and ensure that knowledge is shared freely and widely. It’s a small but vital way to uphold the principles of equity and justice in academia, allowing the research we produce to be a tool for change accessible to everyone, not just those with the means to pay for it.
https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/3/9/pgae364/7739747
Chad M. Topaz
Professor of Complex Systems
For more information about Chad’s work, visit: https://chadtopaz.com/
This story is published in celebration of International Open Access Week 2024. If you want to chat about OA and the library, reach out to your librarian liaison.
To read the complete set of the Open Access 2024 series, visit: https://library.williams.edu/category/openaccess/