New series: Spotlight on Diamond open access - SciPost (1)
| Date: | 05 September 2025 |
| Author: | Giulia Trentacosti |
The University of Groningen views diamond open access as a sustainable, affordable, and equitable model for scholarly publishing. We are committed to supporting trustworthy diamond open access initiatives. This new series highlights the initiatives we support.
This month our focus is on SciPost.
"I have a very good experience with SciPost. The whole procedure of submitting and refereeing is very efficient and transparent. Scipost is founded by colleagues in the field who know what we scientists need and appreciate." – Eric Bergshoeff, Professor in Theoretical High-Energy Physics, Faculty of Science and Engineering.
What is SciPost?
SciPost is a non-profit, open-access publishing platform developed by and for scientists, with a strong focus on transparency, community engagement, and rigorous peer review. Since its founding in 2016 at the University of Amsterdam, it has provided a sustainable alternative to commercial publishing by offering a range of journals, primarily in the physical sciences, that are entirely free to read and publish in. There are no subscription fees, no article processing charges, and no paywalls.
Guiding principles
True to its guiding principles, SciPost ensures that all research is freely accessible, with publishing decisions made solely on scientific merit. Editorial and review responsibilities are carried out by active researchers, and its peer review process is both transparent and community-witnessed, with referees acknowledged for their contributions. Post-publication, articles remain open to public commentary, fostering continued scientific dialogue.
Funding model
As a non-profit initiative, SciPost generates no revenue from its operations and avoids all commercial interests. Its existence depends entirely on voluntary support from public and academic institutions. The University of Groningen supports SciPost with an annual contribution of €2,500, reflecting our publication activity with the platform. SciPost maintains full transparency in its finances and sponsoring organizations.
Urgent call for support
However, SciPost has recently issued an urgent call to the scientific community. Of the more than 1,200 institutions that benefit from its services, only 135 have contributed to its sustainability. The platform has thus far survived thanks to a small number of especially generous supporters compensating for the many who have not yet contributed, a model that is neither fair nor viable.
SciPost is now approaching a financial red line and warns that, without increased community support, it will run out of liquidities before the end of the year. Continued operation is not possible without broader institutional backing.