UK universities have rejected a proposed new publishing deal with Springer Nature, claiming the publisher’s latest offer “did not meet sector requirements”.
In a joint statement released on 21 February, five university groupings, including the Russell Group, University Alliance and MillionPlus, say the German-British publisher’s improved proposal for a read-and-publish arrangement for the UK sector, made in November, is not acceptable.
The statement, which is also signed by GuildHE and the N8’s research pro vice-chancellors’ group, says their institutions are “fully behind the recent decision by the sector, and the negotiating team, to reject the latest offer from Springer Nature”.
“We recognise and welcome the improvements that Springer Nature has made to its offer throughout the negotiations. However, the latest proposal still does not meet the needs of the sector and our members,” it adds.
