Trailblazing open access initiative to return to nonprofit stewardship for its next chapter
Annual Reviews today announced that it has signed an agreement with Wiley that enables Knowledge Unlatched (KU) – most recently owned and operated by Wiley – to move to a new home within the Annual Reviews organization. The move supports one of the most recognized initiatives in open access publishing and marks KU’s return to nonprofit stewardship.
Founded in 2012 by publishing innovator Frances Pinter, KU pioneered a crowdfunding model that enables libraries worldwide to support the open access publication of scholarly books and journals. Its programs have made thousands of titles freely available to readers everywhere, demonstrating the power of collective action to advance open scholarship.
“Knowledge Unlatched has played a formative role in showing that open access for books and monographs is possible at scale,” said Richard Gallagher, President and Editor-in-Chief of Annual Reviews. “We’re excited to build on this legacy. KU will remain at the forefront of open
access book publishing, help more journal publishers adopt Subscribe to Open, and take an active role in coordinating and amplifying Diamond Open Access efforts worldwide.”
Wiley, which acquired KU in 2021, arranged the transfer to Annual Reviews to position KU for its next phase of development. “Knowledge Unlatched has been an important part of our commitment to advancing open science and supporting the global research community,” said David Nicholson, General Manager, Wiley Publisher Solutions. “By transferring KU to Annual Reviews, we’re ensuring it has the specialized focus and nonprofit structure to best serve the library and publisher communities it supports, while allowing Wiley to continue our broader mission of empowering research and learning through innovation in scholarly publishing worldwide.”
The KU team and operations are expected to remain in place, ensuring continuity for library partners and publishers. KU will retain its identity and ongoing programs, ensuring long-term stability and gaining the opportunity to explore new directions.
The transaction with Wiley and Annual Reviews for KU is expected to close by late summer, subject to certain closing conditions being satisfied.
