My lab’s policy is to provide unrestricted Open Access to everyone for every paper we publish. However, the current funding situation in the US presented difficulties in maintaining this policy. I was therefore thrilled to see that the University of Chicago was part of a Read & Publish agreement with The Company of Biologists. I had no idea! Waiving publication charges creates a more equitable publishing landscape. This is particularly important for scientists at the beginning of their careers or those with limited funding. In addition, a real tree is planted for each published article. I encourage other publishers to follow the trailblazing work of Development and The Company of Biologists.

