There is a growing concern on the unaffordable open access fees for researchers located in low- and middle-income countries. These researchers are facing a serious challenge to publish their research, particularly, given the rapid expansion of open access journals that do not waive the publishing fees for these scientists in under-resourced settings. A new flexible waiving model is needed given the considerable limitations of the World Bank Classification.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has affected people’s mental health in different, and sometimes unexpected, ways.

• Van Bavel et al. expressed their faith in social and behavioural science. • IJzerman et al. questioned van Bavel et al. conclusions. • We discuss these two views by defending maturity of behavioural science. • We conclude that social science is largely beneficial in times of a crisis.