SRM University-AP has entered into an Open Access agreement with Springer Nature to make research published by its scholars more widely and freely accessible.

The significance of the agreement was explained to the university community during a session organised by the University Central Library on Wednesday. The programme was attended by students, research scholars and faculty members.

The session featured Springer Nature representatives Neeraj Karandikar, Account Development and Events Manager; Rajneesh Appayya, Licensing Manager for Academic and Institutional Partnerships; and Morla Kamakshaiah, Account Manager. University Librarian A. Janakiraman welcomed the delegation and inaugurated the session.

Under the agreement, SRM University-AP will cover the Article Processing Charges (APCs) for eligible research articles authored by its researchers, enabling them to publish their work under an open access model without bearing the publication cost.

Mr. Appayya said the agreement followed the Golden Open Access model, under which published research would be made immediately and freely available to readers. He highlighted Springer Nature’s portfolio of journals and imprints, including BMC, Springer, Scientific Reports and Nature Partner Journals, offering researchers a range of publication options.

Mr. Karandikar explained the publication process, from manuscript submission and peer review to final publication. He clarified that the agreement would not alter the editorial or peer-review procedures of journals and would come into effect only after a manuscript was formally accepted for publication. He also explained how researchers could identify journals covered by the agreement and understand the approval process following editorial acceptance.

An interactive session provided an opportunity for faculty members and researchers to raise questions on eligible journals, disciplines, publication timelines and other aspects of the Open Access arrangement.

University authorities said the partnership was part of the institution’s broader effort to enhance the global visibility of research emerging from its engineering, science and humanities departments. By facilitating open access to scholarly work, SRM University-AP aims to make research produced on its campus accessible to a wider international audience and contribute to the global academic community.