Academic research is predominantly publicly funded. Therefore, research results should, in principle, be freely accessible to all. In addition, Open Access is now required by many research organisations, including funding guidelines. Free access through Open Access also brings advantages at various levels.

Reasons in favour of Open Access include:

• Greater benefit of research: Open Access publications can maximise the benefit of your research and the investment made in it. According to studies, Open Access publications are used more frequently, have a positive economic impact and improve scientific communication and knowledge transfer to society. Easier reusability helps to avoid duplication of work. It also promotes collaboration across national and disciplinary boundaries.
• Increased visibility: Open Access improves the findability and visibility of literature, and studies show that open access publications are used more frequently. Studies also point to a higher impact of Open Access publications in society. Open Access may also lead to higher citation rates, although this has not been conclusively proven by studies, as well as to more opportunities for collaboration and funding.
• Qualified feedback: By publishing in Open Access, you can make your research results freely available immediately and thus receive feedback from the community more quickly. This allows you to improve the quality of your research.
• Good research practice and compliance with funding guidelines: By publishing in Open Access, you are complying with the guidelines for good research practice and, at the same time, with funding guidelines. After all, research funding agencies increasingly expect the results of funded research projects to be published in Open Access.