ASPCA Open Access Publishing Fund: Supporting Animal Welfare Research

Improvement in animal welfare depends not only on continuous research and innovation but equally importantly on access. The ASPCA has recognized this need and is committed to establishing an Open Access Publishing Fund to support researchers who contribute to the field of animal welfare. By offsetting some of the costs of open access publishing, this will ensure that vital findings and new knowledge are available to the widest audience, both professional and nonprofessional.

Below is an outline of key information on OAPF with a particular focus on who is eligible for application, the benefits accruing from the fund, and how to apply successfully.

What is the ASPCA Open Access Publishing Fund (OAPF)?

The ASPCA Open Access Publishing Fund provides an opportunity for grantees in animal welfare to cover the open access publishing fees for their research work and allow others to read their work freely on the web, without any barrier like high subscription rates. That provides easier access to recent research for the policymakers, professionals in animal welfare, and the general public.

The OAPF supports the dissemination of high-quality research having direct and compelling relevance to animal welfare with applications in the United States. The ASPCA, by providing funding for open-access publication fees, helps increase the reach and impact of important research that can help save lives and enhance the quality of life for animals.

Eligibility Criteria for the OAPF

The ASPCA has therefore established strict criteria for eligibility to ensure that the Open Access Publishing Fund supports high-quality, impactful research. Researchers applying for an OAPF must meet the following requirements:

1. Relevance to Animal Welfare:

• The research must offer direct and compelling relevance to animal welfare. All studies shall contribute to the better living conditions for animals, or the cure of issues which eventually may lead to animal cruelty, or explore knowledge on animal behavior and care.

2. Location of Applicants:

• The applicant must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen or resident. While the project to be funded must focus on animal welfare in the United States, the applicant may be resident in either country.

3. Eligible Institutions:

• Applicants can be affiliated with a variety of institutions including:
  • Public or private academic institutions
  • Public and private research institutions
  • Animal welfare organizations
  • Human Service Organizations
  • Government agencies
• Applications are also welcome from independent researchers not affiliated with an institution but who have met the publishing standards.

4. Preparedness for Scholarly Work:

• Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they can produce scholarly work at a publishable standard, meaning meeting all the ethical and regulatory requirements applicable to their research. ASPCA seeks researchers with a good track record of publishing work which contributes to the advancement of animal welfare or those mentored by top-ranking scholars in the field.

5. Role in Institution:

• Applicants may come from any role at their home institution, including but not limited to:
  • The academic faculty
  • Research scientists
  • Research scholars
  • Graduate and undergraduate students who are engaged in mentored-research projects

6. Limitations on Funding:

• An applicant can only be successfully funded once a year per the calendar year as the primary author by OAPF
• OAPF funds are paid directly to the publisher to pay for open access publication fees

These criteria ensure that OAPF funds only the most relevant and impactful research projects, supportive of work that can produce positive changes in animal welfare.

Benefits of the Open Access Publishing Fund

The ASPCA Open Access Publishing Fund invests in researchers so that their work can reach the avenues of the wider public. A few key benefits of accessing the OAPF include:

• Increased Accessibility: Because the OAPF covers open access publishing costs, important research related to animal welfare will be freely and fully available to all individuals. That also means making it available for engagement with politicians, veterinarians, welfare organizations, and mainstream society as a means of promoting positive change.
• Support for Early-Career Researchers: OAPF invites submissions from all stages of a career, including graduate and undergraduate students. This enables the dissemination and publication of work by newer researchers in addition to contributing to the field and nurturing a future generation of animal welfare professionals.
• Wider impact: Open access publications reach a wider and bigger audience than their subscription-based formats; therefore, they have greater potential for shaping public opinion, policy decisions, and improving animal-care practices.
• Cost Coverage: The full cost of open access publication is covered by the OAPF, eliminating the financial hurdle that could potentially hamper the sharing of some researchers' work with the general public.

How to Apply for the ASPCA Open Access Publishing Fund

An OAPF application requires a well-considered application that demonstrates the significance of the research, and preparedness to publish in an open access journal. The following outlines the step-by-step procedure for the application in greater detail:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Application must be preceded by a careful study of the eligibility criteria with relevance to animal welfare, as well as residence and institutional requirements. This is very important, as incomplete or ineligible applications cannot be considered.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

It should include the following key elements in your application:

• Research Overview: Try to summarize your research in a concise way, focusing on how it relates to animal welfare within the US. Mention the methodology, the objectives of the study, and the expected conclusions.
• Institutional Affiliation (if applicable): If you are affiliated with an academic or research institution, provide details about your role and the institution's involvement in the research.
• Compliance with Ethics and Regulations: Verify that your study has taken into account all the related ethical and regulatory considerations. This might include adherence to appropriate guidelines on animal care and use, if applicable, to your research.
• Budget: Provide your best estimate of the costs for independently publishing your research in an open access journal. This will help ASPCA to understand its commitment to underwrite publication fees in full or part.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Applications for OAPF should be submitted through the ASPCA online grant portal. Be sure to include all requested information and that your application is complete. Incomplete applications may hold up the review process or disqualify you from consideration.

Step 4: Await Review and Decision

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the ASPCA’s grant team. They will evaluate the research’s relevance to animal welfare, the applicant’s preparedness to publish, and the potential impact of the work. Successful applicants will be notified once the review process is complete, and funds will be dispersed directly to the publisher.

The Impact of the OAPF on Animal Welfare Research

The ASPCA Open Access Publishing Fund has already made a significant difference, providing crucial animal welfare research with the support needed for publication. Ensuring important studies are available to the widest possible audience, the OAPF proves to be of the utmost importance for driving improvements in animal care, legislation, and public awareness.

OAPF-funded research has helped bring about:

• Demonstrated better shelter practices by publishing various studies on animal behavior and welfare.
• Stronger evidence-informed policies against animal cruelty.
• Improvements that are being advanced in veterinary care with regard to companion animals, equines, and other species.

The OAPF continues to support high-quality research which addresses some of the most daunting challenges in animal welfare today.

How Fluxx Streamlines the Application Process

The Fluxx grant management platform used by the ASPCA will make it easier to apply for the Open Access Publishing Fund. Fluxx will enable applicants to upload documents, track the status of their applications, and receive updates on the review process of their requests. The system ensures clarity and efficiency, allowing researchers to concentrate their valuable time on their work rather than administrative tasks.

Apply Today to Share Your Animal Welfare Research

The ASPCA Open Access Publishing Fund can create that one important center needed to assist researchers in publishing cutting-edge work on the subject of animal welfare. In place, it removes the financial barriers to publication and helps ensure access for all to leading research.

If your research has the potential to improve animal welfare in the United States, consider applying for this fund. For more information and to begin your application, visit ASPCA Open Access Publishing Fund.