Research4Life
Research4Life is central to Elsevier’s goal of achieving universal access to scientific, technical and medical research information. As a founding partner and the leading contributor, we make all of ScienceDirect- including over 2,000 journals and 6,000 books - available through Research4life. In 2011 alone, this resulted in over 3 million downloads from ScienceDirect. Working together with a critical mass of partners, we contribute to our mutual goal of fostering a strong and independent research culture in the developing world - one that is fully integrated into the international research community with sustainable economic development and enhanced quality of life.
Research4Life, a unique public-private partnership of United Nations agencies, universities, publishers and technology partner Microsoft, is at the center of Elsevier’s Corporate Responsibility program. Research4Life has four main programs – HINARI, AGORA, OARE, ARDI – that provide research for free or at low cost to institutions in the Global South. In 2007 all of the partners formerly extended their commitment to reaching 6 of the UN’s 8 internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals by 2015.
Read More About HINARI, AGORA, OARE and ARDI
How Access to Scientific Literature is Improving the Livelihoods of Communities Around the World
These case studies provide insight into how access to peer-reviewed research from Research4Life is benefiting the health, well-being, and economic and social development of communities in the developing world, as well as contributing to greater environmental health and awareness. Click on image to read more about the case studies.
Physiotherapist Mulugeta Bayisa’s experience with Research4Life’s HINARI program has helped him find better ways to treat his patients and teach his students. More than that, though, it has changed the way he thinks. Watch this video to find out more.
Building a Global Research Culture
Through a series of grants from the Elsevier Foundation, MLA’s Librarians Without Borders (LWB) program have been able to provide a a series of “Train the Trainer” workshops across the Global South and a E-Library Training Initiative distance course. LWB coordinator, Lenny Rhine, University of Florida Librarian Emeritus works closely with the WHO and ITOCA to ensure maximum training reach and synergies. Distance and onsite training have proven to be the most effective way of increasing usage of the scholarly publications available through Research4Life.Taskforces
In 2007, Elsevier initiated a communications taskforce of publishers and partners to boost the visibility of Research4Life. Projects have included a formal rebranding, films, bylined articles, panel discussions at science conferences, press releases, a website launch and research output press briefings. In addition to communications, colleagues throughout Elsevier are involved in Research4Life taskforces on access, authentication, metrics and training.
Interested in learning more? E-Mail Ylann Schemm, Senior Corporate Responsibility Manager, Elsevier.
