Time Frame: October–December 2025

Work package 1 focuses on the foundational steps required to establish a robust and sustainable consortium structure. It encompasses the following key activities:

• Legal and Organisational Assessment: Evaluation of the legal and organisational requirements for setting up the consortium and ensuring its long-term viability.
• Governance Framework Development: Drafting of a comprehensive governance framework that outlines internal decision-making processes, roles, and responsibilities of consortium members.
• Implementation Planning: Preparation of an implementation plan detailing the necessary administrative infrastructure to support the operational needs of the consortium.

Time Frame: October 2025-April 2026

The objective of work package 2 is the development of a tailored funding mechanism to support Diamond Open Access (OA) publishing within the Swiss academic and research landscape. Building on existing models and initiatives, the work includes the following key tasks:

• Framework Development: Design of a framework outlining clear eligibility and quality criteria for Diamond OA journals and publishing platforms. This includes the definition of a transparent and fair application process.
• Evaluation Procedure Design: Specification of the evaluation process, including a description of the responsible entities, the roles of reviewers and evaluators, and how decisions will be documented and communicated.
• Implementation Planning: Strategic planning for the rollout of the funding mechanism, addressing the necessary administrative processes, timeline, and stakeholder coordination.

Time Frame: October 2026-April 2026

Work package 3 addresses the design of an effective funding model, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement. Key components include:

• Funding Model Design: Development of a robust and sustainable funding mechanism, including a proposed model for managing financial flows within the consortium.
• Fundraising Strategy: Design of a national and international fundraising scheme to attract diverse sources of financial support and enhance long-term resilience.
• Business Plan Development: Creation of a business plan that ensures the ongoing financing and maintenance of the consortium’s administrative and operational infrastructure.

Time Frame: October 2025-July 2026

Work Package 4 is dedicated to the visibility, outreach, and stakeholder engagement of the project. It ensures transparent communication of progress and outcomes while fostering community involvement and institutional support. Core elements include:

• Public Engagement and Transparency: Delivery of presentations on the project’s objectives, progress, and outcomes to promote transparency and invite community feedback throughout the process.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Facilitating exchange with key stakeholders and institutional supporters to foster trust, secure commitment, and build momentum toward implementation.
• Open Dissemination: Commitment to making project outputs—including reports, frameworks, presentations, and other relevant materials—openly available to the public.