This blog post was first published on ASSAf ‘s (Academy of Science of South Africa) website on 31st October 2024. You can read the original post here: https://www.assaf.org.za/2024/10/31/promoting-open-access-advancing-doaj-inclusion-and-scholarly-publishing-best-practices/.

Compiled by Ina Smith, Susan Veldsman, Iryna Kuchma, Gala García Reátegui, Ivonne Lujano, Katrine Sundsbø.

Great things happen when passionate people from different organisations come together with a shared goal in sight. This was certainly true for a series of workshops on open access, presented in collaboration with the DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals), Research4Life, and ASSAf (Academy of Science of South Africa). As the African saying goes: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

A significant catalyst for this initiative was Research4Life, which approached the le DOAJ Ambassador for Southern Africa in 2023, kick-starting this entire process. A curriculum was developed, and an English course was presented towards the end of 2023. Following the success of this course, Research4Life requested that it be repeated in 2024, but also in other languages. ASSAf’s collaboration with le DOAJ and Research4Life has resulted in a curriculum available in Spanish (translated and presented by Ivonne Lujano, DOAJ), French (translated and presented by Gala García Reátegui, DOAJ), English (developed and presented by Ina Smith, ASSAf & DOAJ and Susan Veldsman, ASSAf), and Ukrainian (translated and presented by Iryna Kuchma, EIFL), presented across five clusters in total. The contribution of Research4Life was pivotal to the success of these workshops. Editors and publishers from Research4Life member institutions in 25+ lower- and middle-income countries were invited to attend, resulting in the registration of 850+ individuals and participation/attendance by 600+ individuals. le DOAJ issued certificates of attendance to all who completed the course, further reinforcing the value of this initiative.

The courses have garnered significant media attention, showcasing leadership in the field of open access publishing. Articles published by global partners highlight the importance of this initiative in extending the reach of scholarly research, especially for underserved communities. See 

The curriculum, which spans five clusters of four weeks each, comprises the following modules:

Module 1: DOAJ introduction & overview
Slides – Video

Module 2: Submitting a scholarly journal application to DOAJ
Slides – Video

Module 3: Best publishing practices for scholarly journals
Slides – Video

Module 4: Maintaining research integrity and ethics
Slides – Video

About the DOAJ

The Directory of Open Access Journals is an online database that index and provides access to high-quality, peer-reviewed open access journals. Its mission is to increase the visibility and ease of use of open access scholarly journals, facilitating greater dissemination of research findings. By listing only those journals that meet specific quality criteria, le DOAJ helps researchers and readers identify reputable sources of information in an increasingly crowded publishing environment. In the coming year, le DOAJ will focus on raising awareness among journals and scholars across the African continent, as outlined in its strategic plan.

To be included in the le DOAJ, a journal must meet a series of rigorous criteria, including:

  • A robust peer-review process.
  • All content must be freely available to the public without subscription barriers.
  • A qualified and diverse editorial board.
  • Clear information about ownership, policies, and publication ethics.
  • And more.

These criteria are crucial for maintaining the integrity and credibility of open access publishing.

Applying for inclusion in DOAJ is a structured process. Journals must submit an application detailing their editorial practices, open access policies, and other relevant information. The application undergoes a thorough review by DOAJ’s team, who assess compliance with the established criteria. Successful applications are celebrated as a mark of quality and commitment to open access.

Once a journal is accepted into DOAJ, submitting metadata becomes essential for ensuring visibility. Journals must provide standardised metadata that includes article information such as the article title, journal online ISSN, journal publisher, and article abstract. This process enhances discoverability and aligns with tools like the Public Knowledge Project’s Open Journal Systems (PKP OJS), which streamline journal management and publication processes.

Alignment with scholarly journal best practices

In addition to an overview of le DOAJ and the application process, the developed curriculum emphasises the importance of adhering to best practices in scholarly publishing. This includes not only meeting DOAJ’s criteria but also implementing ethical guidelines and policies that foster transparency and integrity in research. This commitment is particularly crucial in light of growing concerns over predatory publishing practices that exploit researchers and compromise the quality of scholarly communication.

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research and publishing raises important ethical considerations. The curriculum includes discussions on how AI tools can be used responsibly, ensuring they complement rather than compromise the scholarly publishing process. This focus on ethics underscores the importance of maintaining human oversight and accountability in an increasingly automated world.

Conclusion

ASSAf’s collaboration with le DOAJ and Research4Life marks a pivotal step toward enhancing the quality and accessibility of scholarly publishing. By providing a structured curriculum and promoting best practices, ASSAf, together with le DOAJ and Research4Life, is not only empowering journals in middle- and lower-income countries but also contributing to the global Open Science movement. As the landscape of academic publishing continues to evolve, initiatives like this are essential for ensuring that research remains open, ethical, and accessible to all.

For more information and to access resources, visit the ASSAf Open Science website and explore our curriculum offerings. The course will also soon be published as part of the OpenAIRE Open Science e-learning website. Together, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and transparent scholarly publishing ecosystem.