The World Health Organization (WHO) today marks the 25th anniversary of Research4Life, a public-private partnership that provides researchers, educators, health professionals and policy-makers in low- and middle-income countries with affordable or free access to scientific knowledge. The partnership has helped dramatically expand access to scientific knowledge for researchers, educators, health professionals and policy-makers in more than 120 countries.

Since its establishment in 2001 as a three-year pilot initiative led by WHO, Research4Life has grown into one of the world's largest and longest-running public-private partnerships dedicated to equitable access to scientific research. Independent studies show that the programme has increased research publishing by up to 75%, boosted participation in international clinical trials by more than 20%, and strengthened opportunities for women researchers, with publication rates increasing by up to 30% in countries facing the greatest barriers.