Journals

Starting academic journals: From planning to publication

KIT Scientific Publishing (KSP) supports publishers in establishing scientific open-access journals. The publisher also offers consulting services for transferring a journal from another publisher to KSP.

To successfully launch a journal under the Open Access model, five key issues must be considered. These include the most important decisions that should be made at the outset to create a solid and sustainable foundation for the journal's establishment.

"How Do I Start a Successful Scientific Journal?"

The 5 most important considerations when launching a scientific journal.

Checklist

1

A secure basis: Journal name and rights

Select a name for the journal and check whether it is available
When transferring an existing journal (“flipping”), check the title ownership rights

2

The Editorial Board: Size and Structure

Appointing the editor-in-chief
Selection process and duties of the editorial team

3

Funding options

Diamond Open Access model: Free of charge for authors
Gold Open Access model: Authors pay the Article Processing Charges (APC)

4

Define a binding workflow

From submission to publication of an article
Scope and frequency of publication

5

Establish an effective review process

In-house and external reviewers of the journal

In a nutshell

Developed as part of the BMFTR-funded “Diamond Thinking” project for sustainable Diamond Open Access publishing.

Maximum flexibility: customizable service packages or a choice between a basic and a full-service model—with full cost transparency.

Additional professional services offered by experienced and trusted service partners.

Scholar-owned and community-led: ownership rights to the journal titles remain with the publishing institutions at all times.

Aligned with established best practices in scholarly publishing, as recommended by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Universitätsverlage, the European Association of University Presses (AEUP), and the Diamond Discovery Hub.

Journals

Contact us per email at: diamond∂ksp.kit.edu

Success Story

Launched in 2024, the international journal Hydrogen Safety is the first in its field to be published under a Diamond Open Access model. Funded by the scientific society International Association for Hydrogen Safety (HySafe), the journal sets a precedent in its discipline by making research quality the sole criterion for publication, thereby removing any financial barriers that authors may face.

The editors emphasize that safety is a global issue and that research outputs in this field should face as few barriers as possible.

The journal celebrates its second year in 2026, with more than twenty high-quality, peer-reviewed articles published.

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