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Termination of access to Web of Science as of January 1, 2026

Last updated on 10 November 2025
Important change regarding our license for scientific databases: as of January 1, 2026, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam will no longer have access to Web of Science by Clarivate.

This decision is based on two key considerations:

1. Signing of the Barcelona Declaration on Open Research Information
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has committed to the principles of open science by signing the Barcelona Declaration. This declaration advocates for the use of open, transparent, and reusable research information. Web of Science is a commercial, closed system that does not align with these principles. This step marks a concrete move toward a more open research infrastructure.

2. Cost and Financial Considerations
The expected cost of renewing the contract with Clarivate is likely to exceed €100,000 this year. In light of current budget cuts, it is necessary to make strategic choices. We have therefore decided to allocate resources differently, while maintaining access to other essential sources.

The University Library is happy to support researchers, lecturers, and students during this transition. We offer:

  • Assistance in finding alternative data sources
  • Support in using Scopus, OpenAIRE, and OpenAlex 
  • Workshops and individual guidance upon request

If you have any questions or need support, please contact your faculty information specialist or email: vraag.ub@vu.nl.

Search systems and reference tools 🔍

For searching, managing sources & access digital collections

Get an overview

Alternatives and Support

  • OpenAIRE

    OpenAIRE Graph is an open and freely accessible research infrastructure offering extensive metadata on scientific publications, datasets, projects, and other research outputs. It emphasizes interoperability and connects information from thousands of sources, including universities, repositories, and funders. Data is accessible via a user-friendly web interface, and advanced users can perform complex, large-scale queries via the API.

    Unlike OpenAlex, OpenAIRE is a European initiative co-funded by the European Commission. In times of increasing geopolitical tensions, the importance of sovereign European infrastructures for research data is growing. OpenAIRE offers a strategic advantage for institutions and policymakers who value transparency, sustainability, and control over their information within a European legal and ethical context.

  • OpenAlex

    OpenAlex is an open-source and freely accessible source of scientific publication data. In addition to citation and open-access status, it provides indicators related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Data is easily accessible via the website, and more complex queries can be made using the API, which requires some technical knowledge.

  • Scopus (Elsevier)

    Scopus is a comparable multidisciplinary database with extensive citation indexing.

  • Combining Multiple Data Sources: Conducting a Systematic Review

    A systematic review requires a precise and transparent search strategy, with completeness and reproducibility at its core. For conducting systematic literature reviews, it is essential to use multiple databases such as PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus. The University Library offers extensive support for setting up and conducting this type of literature research, like on our page on Literature Research Support and more information on Systematic Reviews in de LibGuides.

Team Research Intelligence

researchintelligence.ub@vu.nl

Contact

Portret of Project manager Research Intelligence Matthijs de Zwaan

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