Swiss Journal of Palaeontology: A History of Scientific Publication
The documentation of prehistoric life requires dedicated platforms for scholarly exchange. One such enduring publication is the Swiss Journal of Palaeontology, a periodical that has evolved over more than a century to keep pace with the changing landscape of scientific communication and accessibility.
From Basel to the Global Stage
The journal began its journey in 1874 under the name Schweizerische Paläontologische Abhandlungen. During its early years, it was published by the Natural History Museum of Basel, serving as a critical record for palaeontology—the scientific study of life that existed prior to the start of the Holocene epoch.
As the needs of the global scientific community shifted toward English-language standardization and digital distribution, the publication underwent a significant transformation. In 2011, the journal was relaunched as the Swiss Journal of Palaeontology, with BioMed Central taking over as the publisher.
The Transition to Open Access
In a move to increase the visibility and impact of paleontological research, the journal adopted an open access model in 2020. Open access is a publishing model that removes paywalls, allowing researchers and the general public to read and download scholarly articles free of charge.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1874
- Original Name: Schweizerische Paläontologische Abhandlungen
- Original Publisher: Natural History Museum of Basel
- Relaunched: 2011 as the Swiss Journal of Palaeontology
- Current Publisher: BioMed Central
- Open Access Status: Fully open access since 2020
| Period | Journal Name | Publisher | Access Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1874 – 2010 | Schweizerische Paläontologische Abhandlungen | Natural History Museum of Basel | Traditional |
| 2011 – 2019 | Swiss Journal of Palaeontology | BioMed Central | Traditional/Hybrid |
| 2020 – Present | Swiss Journal of Palaeontology | BioMed Central | Open Access |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the journal first established?
The journal was established in 1874.
What was the original name of the publication?
It was originally published as the Schweizerische Paläontologische Abhandlungen.
Who was the original publisher of the journal?
The Natural History Museum of Basel served as the original publisher.
When did the journal change its name to the Swiss Journal of Palaeontology?
The relaunch and name change occurred in 2011.
Who is the current publisher?
The journal is currently published by BioMed Central.
Is the Swiss Journal of Palaeontology free to read?
Yes, the journal has been open access since 2020, meaning its content is freely available to the public.