Quality Enhancement and International Visibility of the Austrian Journal of Forest Science

The funding "Quality Enhancement and International Visibility of the Austrian Journal of Forest Science" supports the further development of the established open-access publication model of the Austrian Journal of Forest Science (AJFS). The aim is to consolidate and substantively strengthen the transition process to free online accessibility, which has been ongoing for eight years, in order to increase the global recognition of Austrian forest sciences. This measure is particularly aimed at young forest scientists as well as the international expert community, who benefit from unrestricted access through higher visibility and an increasing impact factor. As a regional initiative in Vienna, the program promotes the sustainable safeguarding and quality enhancement of scientific publications in the field of forest research.

Within the three-year project duration starting December 1, 2025, up to €70,000 will be provided as a grant. Eligible expenses include, among others, development and maintenance of the online platform, editorial and administrative costs, as well as measures to ensure ongoing operations. Submission of an expenditure report and corresponding invoices are prerequisites for application. Funding can be applied for by public institutions or non-profit organizations. Applications can be submitted until March 1, 2029, and must comply with the guidelines of the General Framework Directive for Funding from Federal Funds (ARR 2014). Through this investment in open access, not only are publication processes optimized, but the careers of young scientists are sustainably supported and the international reputation of Austrian forest science is strengthened.