Effective January 2026, all articles published in The Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine (JALM) will be open access. Open access makes content freely available online at the time of publication. Below are answers to common questions about the transition.
Why is the journal making this change?
ADLM launched the journal to support applied research that improves clinical practice. Open access furthers the journal’s mission by ensuring findings are available to the people putting them into practice. Open access also increases visibility. Research that is freely available tends to be read and cited more often. For authors working on implementation science, new diagnostics, or public health applications — this accelerates their impact.
What does open access mean?
Open access means articles are free to read online immediately after publication. Authors retain copyright and share their work using a Creative Commons license, which allows others to reuse it with appropriate credit.
Does open access publishing affect peer review?
No. Peer review and editorial decision-making remain unchanged. This change affects only access and licensing — not the standards that shape the content the journal publishes.
Will I have to pay to publish in JALM?
Yes. Starting in 2026, article processing charges (APCs) will apply for all accepted articles. This is how open access publishing is funded. However, support is available, including special discounts for ADLM members in the professional membership category (see below).
What are the fees?
Depending on article type, APCs will be competitively priced at $3,000, $2,400, or $0. Specifics are listed on the JALM website.
Do ADLM members get a discount to publish open access?
Professional members who are also the corresponding author will receive a 50% discount on the APC. The discount does not apply to other membership types. It also does not apply if the member is not the corresponding author.
What if a co-author is an ADLM member?
The discount only applies if the corresponding author is a current ADLM professional member at the time the article is accepted. You can view member category options or update your membership here.
Are other discounts available to publish in JALM?
Yes. Authors may qualify for reduced or waived fees based on institutional agreements with ADLM’s publishing partner, Oxford University Press (Read & Publish deals), or based on country of residence, if in a qualifying low- or middle-income region. The latest discounts and waivers are updated regularly from Oxford University Press.
Can I still publish in JALM without open access?
Articles published before January 2026 will follow the existing model. Authors may choose not to publish open access and will not be charged an APC. If you submit your article by August 31, 2025, and it is published in January 2026 or later, you will not be charged an APC.
I have a question about JALM that is not answered here
If you have a concern not covered by this FAQ, please contact ADLM: [email protected].