The European research landscape is poised for a significant evolution with the transition of the Open Research Europe platform. Beginning in autumn 2026, CERN will assume operational responsibility for this flagship open access publishing service, marking a new chapter in community-driven scholarly communication across the continent.

Background and Launch of Open Research Europe

Established in 2021 by the European Commission, Open Research Europe was designed as a no-fee open access venue specifically for beneficiaries of EU research programmes such as Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. The platform emphasises rapid publication, open peer review, and full transparency, allowing researchers to share findings without the barriers of traditional subscription or article processing charges.

Over its initial years, it has supported thousands of articles across disciplines, promoting the principles of open science that prioritise accessibility and reproducibility. This foundation has positioned it as a key tool for publicly funded research in Europe, aligning with broader EU strategies for knowledge dissemination.

The 2026 Transition Announcement

In March 2026, the European Commission, CERN, and a consortium of national research funders unveiled the framework for the platform's next phase. Backed by a nearly €17 million budget for 2026-2031, with the European Commission contributing up to €10 million, the service will evolve into a collectively supported publishing infrastructure. Operations under CERN's technical oversight are scheduled to commence in autumn 2026.

This shift represents more than a change in hosting; it expands the platform's scope while preserving its core diamond open access model, where neither authors nor readers incur fees. The transition builds on five years of successful operation and responds to calls for sustainable, non-profit alternatives in scholarly publishing.

CERN's Role as Operator

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, brings extensive expertise in open science infrastructure to the project. Following approval by the CERN Council in December 2025, the organisation will manage the technical and operational aspects of the platform during a five-year pilot phase. Governance and editorial decisions will remain with the funders' consortium.

The platform will leverage open source software such as Open Journal Systems, ensuring transparency and customisability. CERN's involvement underscores its long-standing commitment to open access, extending its influence from particle physics to broader European research ecosystems. Researchers and institutions can expect robust, reliable infrastructure that supports high-volume submissions and advanced features like data deposition.

The Funding Consortium and Participating Countries

A group of eleven countries has formed the core funding consortium: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. National research organisations from these nations will drive the service, ensuring it reflects diverse European perspectives and priorities.

This collaborative model strengthens the platform's sustainability and broadens its reach. Authors affiliated with institutions in participating countries will gain eligibility to publish without fees, extending benefits beyond EU programme beneficiaries to a wider community of European researchers. The structure promotes equity by removing financial hurdles that often disadvantage early-career academics and those from less-resourced institutions.

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Expansion of Eligibility and Researcher Benefits

From autumn 2026, the platform will welcome submissions from researchers whose national funding agencies participate in the consortium, in addition to those supported by EU programmes. This expansion significantly increases accessibility for academics across Europe, fostering greater collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Key features include rapid publication timelines, open peer review processes that enhance transparency, and integration with major indexing services such as Scopus and PubMed. Data deposition is encouraged, supporting reproducibility and long-term preservation. For PhD-track job seekers and postdoctoral researchers, this represents an opportunity to disseminate work in a high-visibility, non-profit venue that prioritises impact over commercial metrics.

Implications for European Universities and Higher Education

European universities stand to gain substantially from the enhanced platform. Institutions in consortium countries can encourage faculty and students to utilise the service, aligning with institutional open access policies and reducing reliance on expensive commercial publishers. This supports efforts to improve research visibility and citation rates while controlling costs.

Administrators may integrate the platform into training programmes for early-career researchers, emphasising skills in open science practices. The transition also signals a maturing ecosystem where higher education institutions collaborate with research organisations like CERN to shape publishing norms. In an era of tightening budgets, diamond open access options like this help maintain research output without compromising quality or accessibility.

Technical Infrastructure and Operational Details

The new phase will feature an upgraded technical foundation managed by CERN, building on the existing platform while introducing improvements for scalability and user experience. Submissions will continue seamlessly during the transition period, with the current site remaining active until the handover.

Performance and financing agreements outline CERN's operational responsibilities, while a collaboration agreement establishes the governance framework. This dual structure ensures operational efficiency alongside community oversight, a model that could serve as a template for other open infrastructure initiatives in higher education and research.

Alignment with Broader Open Science Goals

The evolution of Open Research Europe directly supports the European Commission's open science agenda and the Action Plan for Diamond Open Access. By prioritising community governance and non-profit operations, the platform addresses concerns about commercial dominance in scholarly communication.

It promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion by lowering barriers for researchers from varied backgrounds and career stages. Transparency in peer review and data sharing aligns with initiatives to combat reproducibility crises and enhance public trust in science. For the European higher education sector, this reinforces the continent's leadership in responsible research practices.

Challenges, Considerations, and Mitigation Strategies

Any major transition involves potential hurdles, such as ensuring continuity of service, managing increased submission volumes, and maintaining editorial standards across an expanded author base. CERN and the consortium are addressing these through detailed planning and phased implementation.

Stakeholders, including university libraries and research offices, are advised to monitor updates from official sources and participate in community consultations. Training resources will likely be developed to help researchers navigate the platform's features effectively. The pilot phase allows for iterative improvements based on user feedback, minimising risks to the research community.

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Future Outlook and Strategic Importance

Looking ahead, the CERN-operated Open Research Europe is positioned to influence global trends in open access publishing. Its success could inspire similar initiatives elsewhere, strengthening Europe's competitive edge in attracting and retaining research talent.

For academics, administrators, and job seekers in the higher education sector, the platform offers a forward-looking venue that values quality, openness, and accessibility. As the 2026 launch approaches, engagement with the service will become increasingly relevant for those seeking to maximise the reach and impact of their scholarly contributions.

Practical Steps for Researchers and Institutions

European academics are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the current platform ahead of the transition. Reviewing submission guidelines, understanding open peer review expectations, and preparing datasets for deposition are practical first steps.

University administrators might consider incorporating information sessions into faculty development programmes. PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers can view publication on the platform as a strategic move to build open science credentials, enhancing employability in competitive academic job markets across Europe.