Springer Nature to Expand Access for 2,000 Canadian Researchers at Simon Fraser University’s Community Scholars Program
Springer Nature pledges 500 seats per year for participating Community Scholars Program researchers at Simon Fraser University with a total of 2,000 seats to be provided.
New York｜London｜Burnaby, B.C., 5 March 2025
Today, Springer Nature announced its increasing support for the Community Scholars Program (CSP) at Simon Fraser University (SFU). The CSP supports Canadians to engage in research for the purpose of bettering society and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Springer Nature has participated in the CSP since its creation in 2017. With the aim of providing librarian support and collaboration with Community Scholars in their local areas, SFU is developing partnerships with other university libraries across Canada. As SFU expands the CSP to additional provinces, Springer Nature likewise commits to expanding access to its journals and ebooks for CSP’s under-resourced researchers. The publisher will provide 500 additional seats for researchers each year, to a total of 2,000 seats gratis.
The CSP provides access to over 20,000 titles at no cost to not-for-profit researchers and communities working in fields related to the SDGs on issues such as poverty alleviation, food security, ecosystem conservation, and sustainable community development. Participating scholars are also able to consult with librarians and receive customized services. Springer Nature will continue to support CSP researchers, providing access to its content at no charge, including Springer journals and ebooks in 23 subject collections.
Maria Lopes, Vice President of Institutional Sales at Springer Nature, said: “Springer Nature is fully committed to driving scientific discovery especially in the areas of the UN SDGs. We are proud to support the work of the CSP at SFU by ensuring greater access to key scholarly materials for researchers working to advance knowledge and improve society.”
Heather De Forest, Community Scholars Librarian at Simon Fraser University, said: “Access to research publications is so valuable for participants working in community organizations who excel at mobilizing research, transforming scholarly knowledge into actionable insights in their programs and with their peers. Participants have told us that accessing scholarly publications supports their policy and advocacy efforts, program innovation and evaluation, staff learning and development, and their ability to seek funding.
“Springer Nature was a foundational supporter of the Community Scholars Program and we've been grateful for — and bolstered by — the continued partnership as the program has developed and expanded.”
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Eseohe Arhebamen-Yamasaki | Head of Communications, US | Springer Nature
eseohe.yamasaki@springernature.com
