What is the Cambridge Diamond Open Access Platform?
Launched in May 2024 by the University of Cambridge Libraries & Archives, the Cambridge Diamond Open Access Platform is a pilot initiative testing whether open‑source, community‑developed publishing platforms can meet the needs of researchers. The platform uses the DSpace repository system, the same technology behind Cambridge’s Institutional Repository, Apollo.
Who is it for?
This platform supports Cambridge’s research community in a rapidly changing open research environment. It is designed for journals that are community‑led or run by not‑for‑profit organisations, helping them increase the visibility and discoverability of high‑quality scholarly work published under the Diamond Open Access model, where journals are free to read and free to publish in.
The platform provides a secure and sustainable space for University of Cambridge researchers to host, manage, and showcase their journals.
Why is it helpful?
Community‑led Diamond Open Access journals often work with limited financial and technical resources, and many depend heavily on volunteers. This can create challenges in maintaining professional publishing standards, ensuring long‑term preservation, and providing stable access to journal content. When funding or volunteer capacity changes, journals may struggle to continue operating, putting the accessibility and impact of their research at risk.
The Cambridge Diamond Open Access Platform helps journals committed to open practices by offering a reliable, professional environment. It gives editorial teams the tools and support they need to operate sustainably, without relying on commercial publishing models.
What the platform provides:
- Robust hosting solution: A secure hosting service that ensures journal content is professionally presented and consistently accessible over time.
- Cost savings: The platform covers hosting, DOI registration, and metadata management. These services help maintain scholarly standards and improve discoverability.
- Commitment to long‑term preservation: Journals benefit from secure storage and reliable access, protecting research outputs for future generations and ensuring continuity.
- Technical support and guidance: Dedicated assistance with setup, maintenance, and best practices helps editorial teams manage workflows confidently and efficiently.
- Maximising visibility: Integration with tools like ORCID and DOI services supports indexing and discovery, making journal content easier for readers worldwide to find and use.
Our Commitment
The Cambridge Diamond Open Access Platform reflects the University of Cambridge’s commitment to open research and aligns with the principles of its Open Research Position Statement. It contributes to a broader set of initiatives that prioritise transparency, accessibility, and equity in scholarly communication, free from commercial constraints.
Through this platform:
- We provide essential infrastructure at no financial cost, helping journals operate sustainably and supporting a publishing model rooted in inclusivity and openness.
- We strengthen journal credibility by hosting them on a trusted, university‑supported platform, fostering collaboration and attracting high‑quality submissions. This reinforces trust and transparency in scholarly communication.
- We support Diamond Open Access, promoting models that remove costs for both authors and readers and ensuring equitable access to research outputs.
- We empower independent, non‑commercial publishing initiatives, allowing academic communities to maintain control over their publishing practices and encouraging diversity and openness across the research landscape.
- We act as a central hub for Diamond Open Access journals, improving their discoverability and integrating them into global scholarly networks, which increases the reach and impact of open research.
What’s next
Our next steps focus on understanding the resources and costs needed to move from a pilot phase to a full service. This includes assessing onboarding processes, hosting needs, storage requirements, and long‑term preservation.
We are also evaluating demand for the service and measuring its positive impact on Cambridge’s research community.
Explore the platform
Visit: Cambridge Diamond Open Access Platform
Contact us
For enquiries or to discuss eligibility, email: diamond@openaccess.cam.ac.uk