PKP introduces its plan for advancing the European Commission’s (EC) open access platform, Open Research Europe (ORE), and invites communities to a webinar to learn more.
PKP’s Open Journal Systems (OJS) was chosen to underpin the European Commission’s (EC) open access publishing platform, Open Research Europe (ORE), earlier in 2024. This initiative serves as an exciting example of sponsored development which allows us to grow our team and expand our capacity to improve OJS features for our global community of users.
PKP’s ORE Development Initiatives will be Implemented in OJS Version 3.6
PKP understands that there may be confusion around the software versioning and timelines, especially between our software releases of OJS Versions 3.5 and 3.6. To be sure, ORE implementations will happen in OJS Version 3.6.
In Version 3.5, scheduled for release in Q1, 2025, we are working to implement community feedback, and in Version 3.6, we are taking things one step (or more) further to make sure we can meet your needs at the same time as meeting the needs of our newest partner, the European Commission, and their Open Research Europe platform.
The key features under development for OJS Version 3.6 (for ORE) will include Production, Peer review, and Preprints. New features introduced by the requirements of ORE will not remove existing features. For example, OJS will have a new ability for open peer review, but the traditional peer review workflow will remain an option.
The key feature enhancements include:
- Typesetting – Incorporate typesetting tools into OJS for JATS, PDF, and HTML production.
- Open Peer Review – An open peer review workflow allows readers to see a transparent peer review process.
- Preprints – A preprint workflow in OJS so that content can be published before peer review. It is important to note that this would be an independent development from the continuing work on OPS, to which PKP remains committed as a stand-alone application.
- Continuous Publication – A workflow that allows journals to post content in Continuous Publication mode, without a plugin.
These priorities were chosen because they address the critical needs of both ORE and the broader PKP community, ensuring alignment and relevance, resulting in greater flexibility and more options for implementing Open Publishing best practices.
This two-year project started for PKP in September 2024; however, these key features are foreseen to be included in the release of OJS 3.6 in 2026, a non-Long Term Support (LTS) version, to benefit all OJS users.
ORE Accelerates OJS Community Priorities
The requirements for the open source infrastructure of EC’s Open Research Europe publishing platform were already closely aligned with previously identified PKP Community priorities when PKP submitted its bid to take this project on. As such, community consultations have already consisted of discussions on the PKP Community Forum, in working groups, at PKP sprints, and during user testing sessions.
PKP Remains Committed to its Global Community
PKP remains committed to its collaborative development approach, working closely with its community to refine and enhance OJS software. In essence, PKP ensures that OJS will continue to be developed and supported, not only within ORE priorities, but also outside ORE priorities and activities.
That is, PKP has always been and will continue to be, dedicated to partnering with and meeting the needs of our global communities. To be sure, sponsored development, when aligned with community needs, is an important part of how we sustain, and can continue to sustain, open infrastructure for independent, scholar-led, global reach.
PKP development priorities continue to be largely centered around our member contributions and needs. For example, the work we do in PKP Sprints, Interest Groups, User Testing, and the like, will always be front-and-centre in the work we do.
A Preview into What’s Next – Join our Upcoming Webinar to Learn More
PKP OJS developments are always taking into account the feedback from OJS using communities, and will not step aside from these priorities with new projects like the ORE on the horizon. In fact, the ORE developments are in-line with our community needs such that you will notice PKP development timelines coinciding with major community requests.
“Stepping on the gas of what communities already want us to do… reflects recognition of the European Commission that OJS is pretty close to what they need.”
– Alec Smecher, PKP Development Associate Director, PKP Development News Webinar, September 2024
Join PKP’s Webinar: PKP Advancing Open Journal Infrastructure for Open Research Europe
Join us online Thursday, January 23rd, 2025, from 8 – 9 AM Pacific Standard Time (PST), to learn more about PKP’s work with ORE.
Topics to be discussed include:
- An introduction to the ORE bid and its significance for PKP and OJS.
- A preview of the new features that will be developed for OJS through the ORE project, aligned with community priorities and addressing critical needs in open publishing.
- What these developments mean for OJS support and development outside of the ORE initiative, ensuring consistency and continuity for current and future users.
- How you can stay connected, learn more, and get involved in shaping the future of OJS development.
This webinar will be recorded and shared with the public. The hosts will disable microphones and video screens, and there will be opportunities for questions and comments.
Thank you for considering joining the webinar. If you prefer to send questions or comments to PKP in an alternative format, please contact PKP.
Use of Eventbrite to register is voluntary. Eventbrite data is stored on U.S. servers. If you prefer not to use Eventbrite to register for this event, please register by emailing commpkp@sfu.ca – subject line: ORE webinar registration
Connect
Upcoming opportunities include Sprints, Webinars, and Community Contributions.
Visit our Community Contributions page to stay engaged and support this project. Stay informed through the PKP community forum, our website, and subscribe to our newsletter or reach out via our contact form to get involved.
Don’t forget to attend our upcoming webinar on January 23rd to learn more about this project and more changes coming for OJS.
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The EC’s support has been instrumental in making these developments possible, ensuring that the project aligns with the ORE requirements and PKP’s community-driven mission. Learn more about the EC and Open Research Europe.
