open-access.network 3

The open-access.network 3 project is the continuation of the joint project open-access.network in a third funding phase. The BMFTR has been funding the current project since January 2026 until December 2028 (funding code 16KUV113).

In its first two funding phases, open-access.network established a central information and networking service for open access – free access to scientific information. In the third funding period, which is now starting, the project is implementing numerous measures to promote the open access transformation. To this end, the project aims, on the one hand, to increase the acceptance of the transformation to an open publication system in science, business, politics and the public sphere. On the other hand, open-access.network aims to train key players and promote networking among them in order to ensure a successful open access transformation.

In its first two funding phases, the open-access.network portal has achieved a high level of awareness and trust within the OA community. The project is using its wide reach in its ongoing activities to reach all potential participants in the OA transformation through intensive information work. It relies on a mix of proven formats and new offerings: The successful online training and networking formats will be continued and expanded to include new topics related to OA transformation. Among other things, the project strengthens cooperation with smaller scientific institutions and universities of applied sciences and partner organizations like the HRK. In this way, open-access.network addresses scientists in particular, but also management levels at scientific institutions.

The Helmholtz Open Science Office, together with one or two other project partners, is working on the following work packages: "Editorial expansion and consolidation of content", "Further development of the helpdesk", "Workshops and information events on current challenges of OA transformation", "Target group-specific awareness raising for rights retention strategies", and "oa.atlas".