Fellowship Dr. Lisa Matthias - Diamond OA Journal Flips
Abstract
This research investigates why Diamond Open Access journals—which charge neither authors nor readers—sometimes transition to alternative publishing models. By systematically examining journals that have abandoned the Diamond OA approach, this project addresses when these transitions occur, what characteristics (ownership, volume, discipline, region) distinguish these journals, and the extent of their movement toward closed or APC-based models. Through analysis of multiple data sources including DOAJ removal lists, historical APC information, and OJS journal surveys, the study will create a comprehensive dataset of Diamond OA transitions. Findings will directly inform Berlin University Alliance initiatives like BerlinUP and SeDOA by identifying sustainability challenges facing Diamond OA journals, particularly relevant to Germany's scholarly landscape where this model plays a significant role in social sciences and humanities. This work builds foundation knowledge to strengthen scholar-led publishing infrastructures while reducing dependence on commercial publishers.
Principal investigators
Participating organisational units of HU Berlin
Participating external organisations
Financer
Berlin University Alliance (BUA)
Duration of project
Start date: 01/2026
End date: 12/2026
