Reclaiming knowledge: why Diamond Open Access matters

Abstract:  This webinar explores the future of scholarly communication by bringing together perspectives from Europe, Latin America, and Africa to examine how Diamond Open Access can contribute to a more equitable and community-driven publishing ecosystem. The session examines the limitations of commercial publishing, particularly how APC-based systems restrict participation and shape research assessment. It introduces the key legal and rights-related principles that support public-good publishing, including rights retention and community governance. Drawing on experiences from regions with limited resources, the webinar illustrates how Diamond Open Access can reduce financial barriers, broaden participation, and help researchers maintain ownership of their work, ultimately supporting stronger and more inclusive research communities. Overall, the webinar demonstrates how community-owned, non-profit publishing models can support a more inclusive, transparent, and globally responsive scholarly communication system, and why they are increasingly important for the reform of research evaluation and the advancement of Open Science.