AI Insight
A research study has tracked diamond open-access journals (which charge neither authors nor readers) and documented a concerning trend of these publications switching to fee-based models. The analysis reveals that an increasing number of journals that were previously free for both authors and readers have begun charging publication fees, with this shift accelerating in recent years.
Why it matters
This trend threatens the accessibility of academic publishing, particularly affecting researchers from institutions with limited funding who rely on free publication venues. The conversion of free journals to fee-charging models may reduce opportunities for equitable participation in scholarly communication and concentrate publishing power among well-funded institutions.
Understand the Science
Nature, Published online: 22 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02818-5
A study tracking diamond open-access journals has found an increase in titles switching to other publishing models — especially over the past few years.
Source: Hundreds of ‘free’ academic journals have started charging fees