Open Research Europe (ORE) is the European Commission’s platform for open access publishing
ORE is designed to make research freely available to all. ORE is now preparing for a new expansion that is expected to change how scientific knowledge is shared across Europe.
Strong investment and expanded collaboration
The next phase of ORE is backed by a new substantial commitment, with almost €17 million allocated for 2026-2031.
From this, up to €10 million will be co-funded by the European Commission, showing continued institutional support for open science initiatives.
Operations in this new phase will be led by CERN, bringing technical expertise and global credibility to the platform.
National research organisations from 11 European countries, including Germany, France, Spain and Sweden, will play an important part in shaping and supporting the service.
This collaborative funding model shows a shift from a purely EU-backed initiative to a bigger, community-supported system.
Better access for researchers
One of the biggest changes in this new phase of ORE is the expansion of eligibility. Previously, the ORE focused on research funded by EU programmes; ORE will now extend its no-fee publishing model to researchers from participating countries.
By doing this, access will increase, allowing more scientists to publish their work without the financial barriers often associated with academic publishing.
By removing publication fees, ORE continues to challenge traditional publishing models, which can limit access for both authors and readers. The platform’s approach ensures that publicly funded research remains accessible to everyone, reinforcing the principle that knowledge should be a shared public resource.
Since its launch in 2021, ORE has demonstrated steady growth and adoption within the global research community. The platform has published over 1,200 articles and engaged more than 6,300 authors from upwards of 3,000 institutions worldwide. This growth reflects increasing trust in its innovative publishing model.
A defining feature of ORE is its commitment to transparency through open post-publication peer review. In traditional systems, reviews are often hidden; ORE makes the evaluation process visible, fostering accountability and encouraging constructive scientific dialogue.
Advancing the European research area
ORE was originally produced within the framework of the European Research Area (ERA), an initiative aimed at creating a unified and efficient research ecosystem across Europe. Its evolution into a collectively funded platform aligns closely with ERA goals, particularly the free circulation of knowledge and stronger cross-border collaboration.
More inclusive scientific publishing
As ORE enters this new era, its mission is to provide a transparent, equitable, and high-quality publishing platform that serves the public good. With expanded access, stronger partnerships, and a sustainable funding model, the platform is well-positioned to play a central role in the future of open science.
