DIAMOND OPEN ACCESS RECOMMENDATIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR INSTITUTIONS, FUNDERS, SPONSORS, DONORS, AND POLICYMAKERS

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What is this about?

The document titled “DIAMOND OPEN ACCESS RECOMMENDATIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR INSTITUTIONS, FUNDERS, SPONSORS, DONORS, AND POLICYMAKERS” is a policy guidance report published by the DIAMAS project. Developing Institutional Open Access Publishing Models to Advance Scholarly Communication. It presents a comprehensive and flexible framework designed to support and strengthen Diamond Open Access (OA) publishing, a model of scholarly publishing in which articles are free to read and free for authors to publish in. The report outlines strategic pathways, recommendations, and guidelines tailored to key research actors such as universities, research funders, sponsors, donors, and policymakers on how to build institutional capacity, ensure long-term sustainability, and foster collaboration for Diamond OA. The guidance includes suggested actions to enhance research culture, recognition of Diamond OA contributions, investment in monitoring and evidence-gathering, and engagement with community hubs that support equitable open scholarly publishing.

Why is this important?

This document matters because it helps translate high-level open-science principles into practical, actionable guidance that three major stakeholder groups (institutions, funders, policymakers) can use to nurture and sustain an equitable open-access ecosystem. Diamond OA differs from traditional models by avoiding paywalls and fees, making research more accessible globally. However, it faces challenges in funding, infrastructure, and recognition. These recommendations support coordinated efforts to overcome such barriers, encouraging inclusive and transparent scholarly communication that benefits researchers, academic communities, and the public alike. By offering tailored guidelines, the report fosters collaboration, sustainability, and policy alignment across Europe and beyond.

For whom is this important?

University administrators and research leadershipResearch funders, sponsors, and donorsPolicymakers and government research agenciesScholarly communication professionals (libraries, publishers)Researchers and academic communities

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