A bridge linking academic research and real-world impact
The number of journal citations to nontraditional sources—such as websites, reports, case studies, technical documents, and social media—is surging. This content, while informally published, originates from reputable, frontline sources. Despite the increasing volume, pace, and relevance of this "fugitive material," much of it remains outside mainstream academic discovery services, making it difficult to locate, cite, and preserve.
As funders emphasize research with demonstrable impact and societal returns, many research institutions are publishing findings outside traditional journals in order to reach broader audiences more quickly.
Applied Science Commons makes this material just as easy to discover as journal articles. Every item is given a unique persistent identifier, so it’s easy to cite and integrate with workflow tools, and it's preserved for the long run.
Our first three collections are live: Public Health and Social Care; Computer Science, Data, and AI; and Applied Environmental Science.
Selection criteria
Materials are selected for their teaching and learning relevance from a range of reputable, global sources, including corporations, industry professionals, consultants, government agencies, research institutes, think tanks, associations, and service organizations such as hospitals.
They include technical reports and case studies, consultant reports and feasibility studies, policy and white papers, podcasts, blogs, and videos, industry and government publications, and community impact assessments.
Why is it a Commons?
We think that community cocreating makes knowledge resources more useful. That's why our platforms are called Commons.
Join in by suggesting new organizations to include or where there’s where valuable content is at risk and needs rescuing. Let us know if your institution has content suitable for indexing.
To join us in cocreating Applied Science Commons, please contact our editor, Toby Green.
Get in touch
To collaborate with us on coverage, connect with our editor, Toby Green
Want a trial?
Free, 30-day trial offered with training
Flexible pricing options, tailored to your institution's needs
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How we prevent broken links to grey literature
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