Government of The Land advocates for unrestricted research data availability
In early August 2025, universities and higher education institutions in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern unveiled a dedicated Open Access Strategy for Science and Research, committing to the free and accessible dissemination of scholarly work within the state's academic sector [1].
The strategy emphasizes the importance of open access principles, with institutions such as the University of Rostock embedding these principles in their university management guidelines [2]. This move supports the free and public dissemination of research outputs.
The strategy aligns with broader German initiatives, such as the National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI), which fosters open, FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) research data practices. Upcoming conferences like CoRDI 2025 at RWTH Aachen showcase efforts to improve access to and management of research data, reflecting a national framework that Mecklenburg-Vorpommern institutions integrate into their policies [3].
The Open Access strategy in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern focuses on enabling equal and unrestricted access to scientific knowledge. This approach reinforces education goals and the broader societal benefits of open science [5].
While specific implementation details vary at each institution, the overall approach consists of policy support, infrastructure development, promoting open access publishing (including institutional repositories), and fostering collaboration and training around open science practices.
The state government, through the Ministry of Science, is granting 500,000 euros in subsidies for advisory structures and the promotion of open-access models. Funds from the digitalization fund are also available to continuously expand the database [4].
The state government's decision supports the free accessibility of scientific publications, research data, and cultural objects. The minister, Bettina Martin, stated that the strategy aims to increase the visibility of research results from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the innovations that come from them [6].
Financial assistance is available for the expansion of cooperation within the state. The rector, Riedel, spoke out against giving high status to publications hidden behind paywalls, suggesting that a change in mindset is essential in this issue [7].
The minister criticized that scientific publishers profit from this business model, while the open-access strategy aims to reduce dependence on expensive academic journals [8]. The strategy was welcomed by the co-chair of the state rectors' conference, indicating widespread support for this initiative [9].
According to Science Minister Bettina Martin, institutions in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are already ahead in the national comparison, and the state government plans to continue supporting these institutions for scientific progress [10].
In the future, universities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern aim to make their research findings freely accessible online, contributing to a more transparent scientific culture that emphasizes participation [11].
Science education and self-development are fostered by the Open Access strategy in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, aiming to reinforce education goals with equal and unrestricted access to scientific knowledge. This approach encourages the broader societal benefits of open science.
