As a global scientific, technical and medical publisher, we are aware of the role we play in the distribution of scientific information and access to knowledge and research. We make a concerted effort to ensure that the knowledge we manage is also accessible in those parts of the world that are still developing. Springer participates, often in leading roles, many efforts and initiatives which facilitate access to scientific information, or to disseminate this information further and wider.These initiatives, in partnership with other publishers, are designed to be “help for self-help” for developing countries.The following pages present the initiatives individually. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Alan Harris, or the organizations themselves via the links provided in the text.Derk HaankCEO Springer Science+Business Media