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Elsevier
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An opportunity for postdoctoral scholars

Stay current in your field — even in an uncertain job market

Postdoc free access program

Did you recently complete a research project and are in between positions? Did your research project lose funding and your position was eliminated? Are you looking for a research position and you're working — just not in your field?

As a postdoctoral scholar, these are just some of the scenarios you might be experiencing, but just because you are in-between jobs doesn't mean you have to lose your competitive edge.

Research is the cornerstone of the postdoctoral experience but the reality is, most research positions are temporary. At a certain point, all academic research projects come to an end for the postdoc. This fact, paired with a challenging economic climate, has created new challenges for early career researchers. What's more, when projects end for any reason, usually so do the benefits that come with them — such as having access to published work — which can be a lifeline for staying competitive and connected to the research community.

This is where Elsevier can help.

For scholars who recently received their PhDs and currently do not have a research position, we are pleased to offer unlimited complimentary access to Scopus(opens in new tab/window) and all our journals and books on ScienceDirect(opens in new tab/window) for up to 12 months*.

How you can apply for this program

To find out if you qualify, here's what you need to do:

  • Step 1: Complete the three-part application form; it will take you about 10-15 minutes.

  • Step 2: You must submit a scanned image of a letter from your last academic mentor/advisor that states that the position you have held and the date on which your position ends or ended, and explains why you would be eligible to receive free access to Scopus and ScienceDirect. The letter must be on official letterhead stationery of the department or host institution. We recommend that you first obtain this letter and create a scanned image file of it before completing the form.

Criteria:

  • You have been unemployed for one year or less by the date of your application to the program.

  • OR you have a project ending less than six months after the date of your application.

AND

  • You have received your PhD five years or less before the date of your application.

How your free access will work

Once your application has been reviewed and approval is granted, you'll receive your individual access code. Please allow up to 45 days for us to review your submission.

We appreciate your interest in staying current in your field with access to Elsevier journals and books on ScienceDirect. We wish you continued success in your academic and/or research career!

For questions about this program please contact: [email protected](opens in new tab/window)

*Elsevier reserves the right to contact your mentor/advisor or host institution official to validate your information. Elsevier also reserves the right to deny or reject applications. The free access code is valid for six months from the date access is granted and can be extended for a further six months one time only and upon request. By accepting the terms, you agree to use your access only to stay current with research in your field and agree not to share your log-in details with others. For more information on user rights, please refer to our author and user rights information. Elsevier reserves the right to stop access if the terms of use are violated.