After the first funding application, which included all components of the open OLSPub project, failed to receive funding, a follow-up application was submitted. This focused on the technical infrastructure without addressing the collaboration with publishing partners from the original application. The DFG has launched a funding initiative for such projects to secure endangered data sets and ensure data resilience. In the evaluation of the new project application, the importance of the topic and the technical competence of the participating institution were clearly recognised, but the reviewers did not support the new, revised approach either.

However, our goal for the OLSPub project remains to offer a resilient alternative to the highly centralised, non-European provision of biomedical information infrastructure. We plan to develop a complementary solution that is integrated into national and European initiatives, thereby strengthening digital sovereignty.

Financing beyond traditional funding lines

In order to secure the central information, literature and data services for the life sciences in the long term, we will now turn to alternative financing channels and additional support options in favour of one of the most important open literature sources. We are currently preparing a fundraising campaign to capitalise on the broad response to a sustainable, open information infrastructure and to implement it beyond traditional funding structures.

The campaign will start in the coming weeks. Further information will follow shortly. Are you interested in supporting us? Please contact us!

All information about the OLSPub project