Open Quaternary: A New, Open Access Journal for Quaternary Research

The ideological case for open access to the results of publically funded research is well established (e.g.Epstein 2012, Finch 2012, Fister 2012, Jha 2012, Monbiot 2011, Yiotis 2005): it ensures transparency of data and research, and provides social and economic benefits through increased knowledge and technology transfer.For Quaternary research, open access to research outputs is of paramount importance.Our data and findings are well-known to provide a vital 'bridge' between deep time and the present.Palaeontological, biological, geological and archaeological data facilitate the usefulness of research at all timescales in order to address humanscale problems such as climate change, biodiversity loss and natural hazards.Furthermore, the high resolution of Quaternary datasets make them ideal for addressing these issues directly, elucidating the natural and cultural processes that continue to shape our world and enhancing our ability to predict and prepare for future change.The value of Quaternary research to other academics, policy makers and the lay public is clear, and open access publication removes barriers to our research outputs, facilitating dissemination, encouraging multidisciplinary use and enhancing impact (Wagner 2010).With the rise of the open access mega-journal, a specialist open access journal for the Quaternary provides a place where the field can build a strong and coherent research agenda, while also improving access to, and highlighting the value of, our research.Open Quaternary is the first 100% gold open access specialist journal for Quaternary research, and a grass-roots response amongst Quaternary scientists to the dearth of affordable open access options within our field.The publication of our first set of peer-reviewed academic papers marks the end of two years of planning and development, and heralds the start of what we hope will be a new era for academic publishing in Quaternary research.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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