Why this matters for UM research

Diamond Open Access (DOA) is a fully open publishing model in which neither authors nor readers pay fees, while publications remain freely accessible and citable from day one. This makes DOA particularly relevant in a landscape where publication charges and subscription costs continue to rise, and where equity, diversity, and public engagement are increasingly central to how we assess research.​

In the Netherlands, DOA is now part of national open science ambitions, including the development of sustainable infrastructures, expertise, and monitoring tools for journals, books, and platforms that operate without author-facing charges.

Maastricht University Library and Maastricht University Press are closely involved in these developments, for example, through national projects on Diamond OA, the national collaboration of (diamond) open-access publishers (NUPs), and the emerging DOA Expertise Centre, which offers guidance, events, and support for editors, researchers, and institutional publishers.​

About the event

During the two days in Nijmegen, participants will explore what Diamond OA can offer as an alternative to commercial, APC-driven publishing. The programme includes keynotes, panels, and workshops on topics such as:​
 
  • National and European DOA infrastructures and how they connect to existing platforms and services
  • Practical steps in starting and managing a Diamond OA journal or flipping an existing journal
  • Financial, technical, and governance challenges in transitioning to a Diamond OA system
  • Grassroots initiatives, collective action, and the formation of a national community of scholars committed to DOA.
The organisers aim to build a bridge between existing publisher initiatives and researchers across disciplines, and the meeting is expected to help form a national committee of scientists interested in advancing Diamond OA.​

Who should consider attending?

The event will be particularly relevant for:
  
  • Researchers and research leaders are interested in more sustainable, community-driven publication models.
  • Editors and editorial board members exploring how to start, relaunch, or “flip” a journal or series to Diamond OA
  • Policymakers, research support staff, and institutional publishers working on open science, recognition and rewards, or publication strategies
Whether you are already involved in a Diamond OA initiative or just starting to wonder what it could mean for your field, the programme is designed to support both orientation and hands-on planning.​

Practical information and registration

  • Dates: 5–6 February 2026, 09:00–17:00 (excluding social programme)​
  • Location: Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands​
  • Format: two-day national meeting with keynotes, panels, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities​
  • Fee: attendance is free of charge, but places are limited, and registration is required​
More information, including the full programme and registration form, is available on the event website
 

Registration and more information

Maastricht University researchers, editors, and policymakers are warmly invited to join this national conversation on the future of scholarly publishing.
 
Register via the event website and feel free to contact the library’s open access team or Maastricht University Press if you would like to discuss how Diamond OA connects to your own publishing plans before or after the meeting.
To the event site

More information and contact

Further reading

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