The ILAR Journal Is Taking a Hiatus

Since the 1950s, ILAR has worked to promote excellence in the science and humane care and use of animals in research as well as appropriate consideration and use of alternatives. The goal has always been to serve you—the dedicated scientists, veterinarians, and staff who work to ensure that research involving animals is conducted according to the highest standards.

Over the years, the ILAR Journal has played a key role in ILAR’s portfolio, serving as an important resource to the broader scientific community and veterinary specialists who support and collaborate in animal research. Since 1990, ILAR Journal has published 99 themed issues of reviews on topics such as experimental design; animal health and welfare; vertebrate, invertebrate, and non-animal models for physiology and disease; wildlife and livestock in research; and One Health.

Although the themed approach has made the ILAR Journal a unique resource, themed issues are increasingly time consuming to deliver. Due to factors described below, the ILAR Journal will be taking a hiatus into the foreseeable future following the publication of volume 62. Issues 1 and 2 will focus on translational research. The final issue (volume 62 issue 3) will emphasize the historical relevance of ILAR initiatives since 1954 and its contemporary relevance in the 21st century. This issue will include listings of ILAR-relevant publications (with links where available), several seminal reprints, and current perspectives on the history of ILAR, its associated efforts, and the emerging landscape for research involving animals in the 21st century.

The ILAR Journal hiatus is driven largely by two factors: (1) the changing nature of scientific publishing and digital communication, which affect how consumers obtain information; and (2) the need for a sustainable funding model. ILAR plans to work with an interdisciplinary team to develop strategies to address these 21st-century challenges and opportunities in science, education, training, and publishing to best benefit the scientific community.

Although the Journal is taking a hiatus, ILAR is going strong and is exploring more contemporary and sustainable approaches to all our work. For example, we have already implemented new ways of interacting with the community to inform ILAR’s Guide for the Care and Use of Animals in Research, and we are developing new digital platforms to present that information.

Access to ILAR Journal Articles During the Hiatus

ILAR Journal articles across the archive will continue to be accessible through the existing journal site hosted by Oxford University Press. Access for regular subscribers and perpetual access likewise will be fulfilled through the site. Following the six-month embargo period after publication, all articles will be free to view to the public. Should ILAR decide to resume publication or re-imagine the ILAR Journal in another form, OUP will adhere to the Transfer Code of Practice and implement redirects that ensure continued discoverability and preservation of the scholarly record. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide expert advice on some of the most pressing challenges facing the nation and world. Although many of our activities are requested and funded by Congress and federal agencies, we do not receive direct appropriations from the federal government. Foundations, the private sector, and philanthropy from individuals also enable us to address critical issues on behalf of the nation. As part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, ILAR also relies on volunteers to produce and review its expert studies and journal articles. We invite you to provide feedback that will help us gauge your interest in participating in or funding ILAR’s work as well as to provide input to the new format and funding model for the ILAR Journal.