UCL Press signs new University Press Charter
Posted on 12th November, 2026
UCL Press has signed the University Press Charter, joining university presses around the world in reaffirming a shared commitment to trustworthy scholarship, academic integrity and the advancement of knowledge for the public good.
Developed by the university press community, the Charter sets out a shared purpose for university presses and recognises their role within the scholarly communications ecosystem. It highlights the importance of quality, transparency, stewardship and collaboration at a time when research and evidence face growing challenges from misinformation, fragmented discovery and rapid technological change.
The Charter’s principles closely reflect UCL Press’s mission as the UK’s first fully open access university press. Since its launch in 2015, UCL Press has worked to make high-quality scholarship freely available to readers worldwide, increasing the reach and impact of academic research while maintaining rigorous editorial and peer review standards.
By signing the Charter, UCL Press affirms its commitment to:
- Putting quality, integrity and rigorous peer review at the heart of scholarly publishing
- Increasing transparency around publishing services, processes and decision-making
- Supporting responsible approaches to the use of artificial intelligence in publishing
- Expanding participation in knowledge and improving access to research worldwide
- Recognising the contributions of reviewers, editors and wider scholarly communities
- Working collaboratively with partners across the research ecosystem to strengthen scholarly communications
The Charter also recognises the important role university presses play in supporting a diverse range of scholarship, including specialist disciplines, emerging fields of research and work whose value extends beyond immediate commercial returns.
The Charter reflects many of the principles that have informed UCL Press since its launch, including a commitment to rigorous scholarship, openness, collaboration and the public value of research.
Read the full Charter on the University Press Charter website..