At present, most research papers can only be viewed for a fee.

Many academics have welcomed the announcement, as they believe the publishers’ fees are too high.

Some scientists are against the plans as they believe that the cost of making the changes may affect research funding. However, the government’s highest estimate is that just 1% of the science budget will be used to cover the move.

The universities and science minister David Willetts said: “If the taxpayer has paid for this research to happen, that work shouldn’t be put behind a paywall before a British citizen can read it.”