BioRender is a widely used scientific illustration platform that enables students and staff to create high-quality, accurate figures for research publications, grant applications, presentations, SOPs, teaching materials, etc. A key benefit of a BioRender premium account is the inclusion of a publication licence, which grants users the legal right to use BioRender-created figures in peer-reviewed publications and other formal outputs.

Currently, access to BioRender at the University of Liverpool is limited by the cost of individual subscriptions, creating financial and accessibility barriers. This petition aims to demonstrate demand for a university-wide BioRender institutional licence, ensuring equitable access to professional scientific illustration tools and supporting clear, accessible, and compliant visual communication across research and education.

Justification for a University-Wide BioRender License

• Includes a publication licence for compliant research outputs

o A BioRender premium account provide a publication licence that allows figures to be legally included in peer-reviewed journals and other formal publications. Institution-wide access ensures staff and students can publish figures without licensing concerns or last-minute figure replacement.

• Superior to free scientific graphics tools

o Free or limited graphic tools often restrict export quality, figure complexity, icon libraries, or publication rights. BioRender offers the greatest flexibility to create detailed, biologically accurate, and publication-ready figures, making it the preferred tool across the life and biomedical sciences.

• Improves clarity, readability, and accessibility of scientific communication

o Clear visual representation of complex concepts improves readability for diverse audiences, including interdisciplinary researchers, students, reviewers, and non-specialist readers. High-quality figures enhance accessibility and comprehension in publications, presentations, and teaching materials.

• Supports research excellence and impact

o Well-designed figures strengthen manuscripts, grants, and conference outputs. BioRender enables consistent, professional visual communication that enhances the perceived quality and impact of University of Liverpool research outputs.

• Enhances teaching and training materials

o BioRender is extensively used for lecture slides, tutorials, SOPs, laboratory manuals, and training resources, supporting clearer explanation of complex biological processes.

• Removes financial barriers and promotes equity

o Individual BioRender licenses are costly and often unaffordable for students, early-career researchers, and technical staff. A central institutional licence ensures equal access regardless of funding source or role.

• Cost-effective and administratively efficient
  • An institution-wide licence reduces duplication of individual subscriptions currently paid through personal funds or grants, providing better value and simplified licence management, while allowing research funding to be directed towards its intended scientific activities.
• Broad relevance across disciplines

o While essential for life sciences, medicine, and veterinary science, BioRender is also valuable in psychology, dentistry, pharmacology, and interdisciplinary research involving biological concepts.