Wellcome Trust Supports Open Access Award Programme

The Wellcome Trust has joined with the Public Library of Science and Google to launch the Accelerating Science Award Program (ASAP) to recognise the use of scientific research, published through open access, that has led to innovations in any field that benefit society.

This new, innovative programme recognises individuals who have used, applied or remixed scientific research - published through open access - to innovate and make a difference in science, medicine, business, technology or society as a whole. Potential nominees include individuals, teams or groups of collaborators (such as scientists, researchers, educators, social services, technology leaders, entrepreneurs, policy makers, patient advocates, public health workers and students) who have used scientific research in transformative ways.

It shows how the unrestricted exchange of information can advance science and medicine and benefit society. It also aspires to encourage a new generation of individuals to embrace the use of scientific research published through open access.

"The Wellcome Trust is proud to sponsor ASAP, and in doing so, recognise those who have maximised the impact of scientific research published through open access," said Robert Kiley, Head of Digital Services at the Wellcome Trust. "We are eager to see real case studies that showcase the unique value of open access, and through these stories, inspire greater support for open access."

Three top awards of $30 000 each will be presented. The nomination period is open from 1 May to 15 June 2013. Winners will be announced in Washington, DC, in October 2013, at an Open Access Week kick-off event hosted by SPARC and the World Bank.

ASAP is sponsored by 24 global organisations that value the transformative impact of applying scientific research, published through open access, to extend the reach of science and medicine.

Find more about ASAP on the ASAP website or follow the conversation on Twitter with #SciASAP.