Open access agreement for Vanderbilt University

If you are a corresponding author affiliated with Vanderbilt University, you can publish your article open access (OA) with fees covered in journals across the Springer Nature portfolio.

Vanderbilt University has OA agreements with Springer Nature, meaning that corresponding authors may be eligible to publish their articles OA with fees covered. The agreements include more than 2,000 hybrid journals across the Springer Nature portfolio. From January 2025, this also includes Nature and the Nature Research journals. 

Read the author guide to learn more >>

Read our case study: Three US organizations reflect on their transition to open access >>

Open access agreements: What’s the eligibility process?

Publishing open access in a hybrid journal

Vanderbilt University is participating in the NERL agreement with Springer Nature. This agreement covers open access publications in Springer, Palgrave & Adis journals on Springer Nature Link, and Academic Journals on Nature.com. Download the list of journals included in the NERL agreement here

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Publishing open access in a Nature Portfolio journal

This agreement covers OA publications in Nature, the world's leading multidisciplinary science journal, first published in 1869 and original Nature research journals across the life, physical, clinical and social sciences.

Eligible journals
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FAQs

Who is considered the corresponding author?

The corresponding author is defined as the person who handles the manuscript and correspondence during the publication process – from manuscript correction and proof reading, to handling the revisions and re-submission of revised manuscripts up to the acceptance of the manuscripts. 

The corresponding author has the authority to act on behalf of all co-authors in all matters pertaining to publication of the manuscript including supplementary material. They are also responsible for obtaining such agreements and for informing the co-authors of the manuscript’s status throughout the submission, review and publication process. 

In addition, the corresponding author acts as the point of contact for any enquiries after the paper is published.

How can I make sure my article is eligible?

When you submit, use at least one of the below methods of recognition.

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Upon acceptance of your article, you'll also be prompted to provide your institutional affiliation.

How do I know if my article has been approved?

The approval manager at your institution will approve your article's eligibility based on your institutional affiliation, article type and journal name.

Once your article is approved by your institution, you will be notified by email and your article will proceed to publication.

Which article types are covered by this agreement?

  • Original Paper#: Standard article, usually presenting new results; articles published under this article type may also be referred to as Original Research, Original Article, Original Paper or Research Paper.
  • Review Paper: Standard article, interpreting previously published results.
  • Brief Communication: Short article submitted for rapid publication that exhibits the same structure as a standard article.
  • Continuing Education: Article forming integral part of further education (usually medical).

#When publishing in a Nature Portfolio journal, original paper is the only applicable article type. Articles published under this article type may also be referred to as: Analysis, Article, Letter, Brief Communication, Registered Report, Resource, Technical Report.

What if I'm not covered by the agreement?

There are still plenty of ways to find funding for your article processing charge (APC). Visit our open access funding page to check whether your institution or research funder makes OA funding available.

Who can I contact for more information? 

Please email us at oa.verification@springernature.com if you need further assistance.