Our Mission: Simplifying Access, Empowering Research

SeamlessAccess is an initiative that improves access to online scholarly content and resources and engages with the community about matters related to access. Working together collaboratively, we promote and build on secure, efficient, and privacy-respecting authentication methods and standards. SeamlessAccess supports millions of scholars worldwide and delivers value to all stakeholders in the research ecosystem.

Our Vision for Access

Usability

Access solutions should be intuitive, easy to use, follow standard conventions familiar to users, and fully adhere to accessibility guidelines.

Privacy

Providers should be transparent about data usage, practice data minimization, and ensure compliance with relevant privacy regulations.

Reliability

Services should remain robust even under disruption, supported by redundancy and fallback mechanisms, and ensure the quality of underlying data through automation and other measures.

Security

Access solutions must be secure, preventing misuse and protecting user data at all stages of access and use.

How the SeamlessAccess Service Works

SeamlessAccess leverages and simplifies federated authentication, making it easier for users to access content and resources using credentials from their home institution.

This approach not only simplifies the access user experience but also safeguards personal data and privacy, ensuring a trusted environment for all.

How we engage with the community

SeamlessAccess is a trusted voice for the research & education community on matters related to access.

We raise awareness about aspects such as privacy and security, and help the community stay on top of new technologies and standards.

Researchers:
Benefit from easy, secure and reliable access to scholarly content and resources.
Service Providers:
Streamline access management, reducing barriers for users while minimizing manual work and security risks.
Libraries:
Enable patrons to access scholarly content in an easy and secure way, while maintaining user privacy. If the library is set up to use federated authentication with a publisher, and they are part of a recognized R&E federation, then they are automatically set up to use SeamlessAccess.
Identity Providers, Research & Education Federation Operators:
Simplify integrations while enhancing the value of existing infrastructure and policy frameworks.
Research Collaborations:
Foster efficiency and inclusivity across global teams. SeamlessAccess enables fast and easy access to services that support federated authentication, including wikis, web sites, and other collaboration tools.

Impact at scale

The reach and effectiveness of SeamlessAccess are unparalleled. We support the journeys of millions of users worldwide, spanning countless access scenarios.

Millions of users benefit from simplified access every year.

Countless research journeys are enabled through our platform.

View Our Resources

CERN integrates with SeamlessAccess

Impact of Transitioning from IP-Based to Federated Access: A Case Study on Reducing Support Requests

One library’s journey from IP access to Seamless Access

Governance

SeamlessAccess is run by the Coalition for SeamlessAccess, a collaboration between four organizations – GÉANT opens a new window, Internet2 opens a new window, the National Information Standards Organization (NISO) opens a new window, and the International Association of STM Publishers (STM) opens a new window. These organisations all provide significant financial and/or in-kind support.

Join Us

Together, we can create a future where accessing knowledge and resources is seamless, secure, and privacy-preserving, empowering researchers and organizations to focus on what truly matters — advancing research and scholarship. Regardless of your role in research communications, get in touch for more information on joining us.

CONTACT US