Becoming a COPE Member
Becoming a COPE Member
If you work in scholarly publishing, COPE is the organisation that can help you stay up-to-date on best practices for publication integrity. You’ll become part of a global community committed to promoting integrity, transparency and best practices in academic publishing.
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Integrity
COPE is here to help you keep your publication process ethical and trustworthy. We can help you to navigate the complex landscape of publication ethics with integrity, ensuring the quality and reliability of scholarly publications.
Leadership
We provide thought leadership on publication ethics offering a balanced and trustworthy perspective in ongoing discussions in current debates.
Collaboration
We bring together everyone involved in publishing scholarly research to address the challenges of publication ethics. Our focus is on finding solutions, sharing knowledge, and creating a support network.
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Education
COPE offers educational materials that provide support and advice to maintain the integrity of your publication process and published work.
Advice
We offer timely and relevant advice to members, assisting editors in making informed decisions that uphold quality and integrity, and guiding publishers to implement best practices for successful publications.
Diversity
We are committed to supporting and representing a variety of scholarly publishing communities. Our goal is to create opportunities for underrepresented voices and perspectives, making sure that everyone’s voice is heard and valued in the publication process.
Hear from COPE Trustees and Council Members
Listen to some of our Trustees and Council Members explain why they wanted to join COPE Council and how they participate and contribute to COPE’s work.
Which membership type should I apply for?
Membership subscription fees depend on the type of membership. COPE considers applications for reduced fees based on the criteria outlined in the policy: reduced membership subscription fees.
Journal membership
1 to 4 journals
If you are applying for between 1 and 4 journals, you should apply as a journal member for each journal.
Eligibility
- The journal must be an editor-reviewed or peer-reviewed scholarly journal.
- The journal must have been publishing for at least one year.
- The journal must have published a a minimum of 20 original research articles.
- Applicants have to meet all of the minimum criteria.
- The applicant wishes to apply for more than 5 journals.
Publisher membership
5 or more journals
Publisher membership is for publishers submitting more than 5 journals.
Eligibility
- Each journal must have been publishing for at least one year.
- Each journal must be an editor-reviewed or peer-reviewed scholarly journal.
- Each journal must have published a a minimum of 20 original research articles.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Universities & research institutes membership
This membership category is for universities and research institutes who:
Eligibility
- Have faculty that conduct and publish original research.
- Conduct training in the responsible conduct of research and research publication ethics.
- Have a point of contact at their university or research institution who deals with issues about research integrity and to whom concerns can be raised.
- University presses that publish editor-reviewed or peer-reviewed journals should apply for publisher membership.
Corporate membership
Corporate membership is for companies or organisation who:
Eligibility
- are working in, or are associated with the publication of peer-reviewed scholarly journals.
- Examples include: providing editorial services; indexing platforms; platforms for facilitating scholarly research; content solutions organisations.
- are not journal editors or publishers. You should apply for journal or publisher membership.
Individual membership
Individual membership is for individuals who can demonstrate their involvement in the management, development or research of publication ethics issues
Eligibility
- Examples include: scholarly publication managers in institutions, nonprofit organisations or companies; librarians.
- Individuals who are journal editors or publishers are not eligible for individual membership. Please submit a journal or publisher application.
- Authors should not apply for individual membership for the purposes of managing disputes with journals or publishers (see facilitation and integrity).
Not ready to apply yet?
Eligibility
- Review the resources and guidance freely available on getting started in publication ethics.
- Attend a free introduction to publication ethics workshop, or watch a recording of a previous event.
- Sign up to the COPE monthly newsletter.
COPE membership subscription fees
COPE membership subscription fees are structured to accommodate various types of members, ensuring accessibility and support for all. We also offer reduced fees for applicants from developing countries and those facing financial hardship.