Full Breakdown
CERN to Host Expanded Open Research Europe Platform
3/27/2026, 12:22:48 PM
Overview of Open Research Europe
CERN has been selected to host an expanded version of Open Research Europe (ORE), a free-to-publish open access research platform initiated by the European Commission in 2021. This initiative aims to facilitate the rapid and transparent dissemination of publicly funded research. The new phase of ORE will broaden authorship eligibility to include researchers affiliated with institutions in countries participating in the funding consortium, which currently comprises Austria, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Key Features of the ORE Platform
The ORE platform operates under a publish–review–curate model, ensuring that research outputs undergo initial checks for integrity and compliance before being published and peer-reviewed openly. Peer-review reports will be publicly accessible, and articles that pass review will be curated into subject-specific collections. This model aims to promote equity, diversity, and transparency in scholarly communication while maintaining high standards of quality and integrity.
CERN will provide the technical and operational infrastructure for ORE, leveraging its extensive experience in developing open science initiatives such as Zenodo and SCOAP³. The platform is expected to support a growing number of research outputs each year, enhancing accessibility to publicly funded science.
Official Statements & Responses
Mar Capeáns, CERN's Director for Site Operations, stated, “Hosting Open Research Europe is a natural extension of our commitment to an open, community-led scientific infrastructure.” He emphasized that the platform supports rapid research sharing and reinforces Europe’s role in shaping scholarly communication.
Marc Lemaître, Director-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission, remarked that ORE exemplifies a shared commitment to fostering the free flow of knowledge. He noted that the initiative amplifies public trust in science by ensuring open access to high-quality research.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the positive reception, some experts have expressed concerns regarding the uptake of the expanded eligibility. They suggest that the success of ORE will depend on how effectively the newly participating national organizations engage with their research communities.
What's Next for Open Research Europe
The ORE platform is set to launch in autumn 2026, following approval by the CERN Council in December 2025. The European Commission has allocated a budget of €17 million for the platform's operation from 2026 to 2031, with €10 million provided by the EU. As ORE evolves, it aims to deepen collaboration among CERN, the European Commission, and national research organizations, ultimately setting a benchmark for equitable publishing initiatives across Europe and beyond.
Verbatim Quotes
“Open Research Europe is a strong example of a shared commitment to fostering the free flow of knowledge across the European Research Area and beyond” — Marc Lemaître, Director-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission
“ORE is a stepping stone towards [what] can be achieved when governments and the public research sector align their ambitions and act decisively,” — Mari Sundli Tveit, President, Science Europe
