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The Mersenne Center is a Diamond-level open-access scientific publishing platform developed by Mathdoc,
The Journal of Lie Theory transitions to diamond open access
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In 2026, the Journal of Lie Theory will adopt a diamond open access model. This transition marks an important milestone: it preserves the independence of a leading international journal while aligning it with the open science initiatives promoted by the CNRS and its partners. Interview with Michael Pevzner, managing editor of the Journal of Lie Theory and director of the Franco-Japanese Laboratory for Mathematics and its Interactions (FJ-LMI).
The university has made a commitment to fully ensure the future of the *Journal of Lie Theory*, an iconic mathematics journal at the European and international levels, by providing it with a public academic framework and structural support. Its transition to Diamond Open Access in 2026 marks a decisive step toward preserving its independence and guaranteeing open access to knowledge.
This project reflects a clear ambition: to affirm the role of the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne as a committed advocate of open science, capable of securing leading scientific journals while supporting research in mathematics
This project reflects a clear ambition: to affirm the role of the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne as a committed advocate of open science, capable of securing leading scientific journals while supporting research in mathematics
Preserving a Journal, Maintaining Scientific Standards
Founded in 1991 as an extension of a recurring seminar on Lie theory, the Journal of Lie Theory has established itself over the years as an international standard. Building on the proceedings of scientific conferences initiated in Leipzig at the time of German reunification, it now publishes four issues annually, totaling nearly 1,000 pages.
Until 2025, the journal was published by the independent press Heldermann Verlag. Its operation relied largely on the dedication of Norbert Heldermann, who handled all editorial tasks, from article layout to subscription management.
His retirement ushered in a period of uncertainty. Several proposals for a takeover by commercial publishers were put forward, carrying the risk of a shift toward a model based on high publication fees and increased subscription costs.
Faced with this prospect, the editorial board engaged in a collective discussion to preserve the journal’s scientific identity and operational model.
Scientific journals do more than just publish articles: they are based on a collective process of peer review and discussion, which lies at the very heart of the scientific process.
A Transition Rooted in Open Science
In the context of national and European policies promoting open access, the decision to adopt a new editorial model quickly led to open access.
In the spring of 2025, discussions with Christophe Besse, director of Insmi, Christophe Delaunay, deputy scientific director of Insmi in charge of documentation, and Sylvie Rousset, director of open research data at the CNRS, helped shape the project. Two key challenges were identified: securing the acquisition of the journal and establishing a sustainable legal and operational framework.
The Mersenne Center, a research support unit specializing in mathematics publishing, was selected to oversee the journal’s production. Its commitment to open science and its editorial expertise made it a natural partner.
The launch of the Journal of Lie Theory was fully in line with the Mersenne Center’s mission: to support high-quality open-access scientific publishing, particularly by assisting journals in transitioning to the Diamond model. The integration into the Mersenne Center proceeded smoothly, thanks to close collaboration among all project stakeholders. This successful transition is a fine example of cooperation in pursuit of a common goal: the sustainable and open dissemination of mathematical research.
A collaborative project
The transition of the Journal of Lie Theory relies on the joint efforts of several stakeholders. The editorial board has sought institutional and financial support, notably from the Mathematics in Open Access (MathOA) and TIB – Leibniz Information Centre for Science and Technology foundations.
The Journal of Lie Theory is a strong example of what becomes possible when the academic community acts together. The project is perfectly aligned with the TIB’s mission to ensure long-term access to scholarly information in our designated subject areas. Together with our French partners, we have transitioned the journal into Diamond Open Access, a model we would like to see more often: no fees for authors, no paywalls for readers, and governance that stays in the hands of the academic community. Public research should be publicly accessible.
MathOA is a Dutch nonprofit organization that promotes and supports diamond open access in mathematics. Founded in 2016 and part of the “Fair Open Access Alliance,” the organization has provided logistical assistance and financial support to several journals, either during their launch as diamond open access journals or during their transition away from commercial publishers. The organization works closely with the Mersenne Center and EPISciences to provide scientific committees with official editorial support. Each year, it coordinates a “MathOA stimulus fund” program to support emerging initiatives for diamond open-access mathematics journals
The University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, where Michael Pevzner teaches, has agreed to serve as the journal’s legal publisher and to provide crucial financial support. INSMI has also supported this transition. This institutional framework ensures that the journal is firmly established within a public academic context, in line with the principles of open science.
An open-access model supported by institutions
Since January 2026, editorial production has been handled by the Mersenne Center. The journal’s archives are now freely accessible online, and new issues will be published under the diamond open-access model, at no cost to authors or readers.
A transitional phase is planned for 2026, during which the print edition will continue. Existing subscriptions help cover part of the production costs, pending the establishment of a stable model based on support from institutions and libraries.
The goal is to preserve scientific heritage while upholding an academic model driven by public institutions.
A landmark initiative
The transition of the Journal of Lie Theory illustrates the ongoing transformations in scientific publishing. It shows that it is possible, through the initiative of scientific communities and with the support of institutions, to transition established journals toward open models while maintaining high scientific standards.