eLife, the new funder–researcher collaboration in science communication, has selected HighWire Press as the platform for its new open-access journal for life and biomedical science.
First announced in summer 2011, eLife is a researcher-led initiative for the best in science and science communication. Backed by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Max Planck Society, and the Wellcome Trust, the initiative’s first aim is to launch an open-access journal for outstanding advances in life science and biomedicine, which is also a platform for experimentation and showcasing innovation in research communication.
“To further our goals to serve science and scientists with our journal, it is essential that we select a technology platform that provides a solid foundation, but is also flexible and makes it possible to do more with research content,” said Randy Schekman, the Editor-in-Chief of eLife. “We’re confident that HighWire is the right technology partner for eLife.”
eLife will take full advantage of HighWire’s Open Platform, its strategic consulting services, and community networking opportunities. The powerful technology behind the platform offers eLife the flexibility to use open-source tools such as Drupal to develop the front-end display – to create widgets, mobile versions, interactive commentary, semantic enrichment, and more.
“HighWire’s deployment of open-source technology, commitment to interoperability, and enthusiasm to work with third-party developers giveseLife tremendous opportunities to explore new territory in research communication,” added Ian Mulvany, eLife’s Head of Technology. “We wanteLife to become a catalyst for innovation – attracting and facilitating experimentation by the research community.”
“The HighWire Open Platform is designed for innovative publishers to find new ways to reach their audience,” said Tom Rump, Managing Director of HighWire. “We welcome the excitement this project brings to our co-development team, and are thrilled to be an active participant in advancing the conversation in the pursuit and exchange of knowledge.”
“HighWire is an established player hosting some of the most important journals in the world, and supporting a publishing community where open access is on the rise,” added Mark Patterson, eLife Managing Executive Editor. “We look forward to working with our colleagues to share experiences and best practices as we find our ways ahead in this exciting and ever-changing environment.”
