Although a number of nations are cautiously lifting restrictions imposed to limit the transmission of COVID-19, this is by no means universal and the time-scales are varied and open to change. We are aware that for many people the uncertainty of travel severely restricts their ability to commit to physically attending the 2nd Basel Sustainable Publishing Forum. Nevertheless, we hope and anticipate that opportunities for travel and accommodation will be possible again at the end of October 2020.

Therefore, we are still planning a physical conference but we are taking the opportunity to also schedule the possibility of an online meeting, which would only take place in a virtual environment.
We are currently facing many uncertainties. However, the conference will definitely take place and we will inform you as soon as possible about the different possible options.

Due to the current situation we have received very few responses to our call. We extended the abstract submission deadline and we look forward to you submitting your ideas and contributing to our event. So please do not hesitate to send us your proposals. We look forward to your feedback and already appreciate your commitment!

In the meantime, we are planning to address some of the conference topics via Webinars. In the weeks and months preceding the conference, selected speakers will discuss various aspects. We already have a selection of speakers in mind and we will keep you informed about any further steps.
Participation will be free of charge. We would be pleased if you could join us!

The 2nd Basel Sustainable Publishing Forum (BSPF2), organized by the University of Basel and MDPI, will be held in Basel, 26–27 October 2020. The aim of the forum is to offer a platform for open and constructive conversation between researchers, learned societies, university librarians, funding agencies, scholarly publishers, publishing platforms, and other concerned stakeholders (professional associations, etc.) to identify implementable solutions for a sustainable global transition to open access.  A main topic of discussion of BSPF2 will be the challenges facing learned societies in this transition to Open Access. The conference will cover a broad array of topics relevant to these challenges, like the development of alternative metrics, the evaluation and promotion of researchers, the OA price transparency, the current situation and limitations of transformative agreements, copyright, etc.

We would like to invite all relevant stakeholders, especially the research community and representatives of learned societies, to join us and participate by sharing their experience, views, opinions, or results, and, to submit a proposal in response to one of the following calls.

We are looking for speakers willing to present important initiatives or projects relevant to the global transition to open access. Proposals can contain updates on well-known initiatives, or new initiatives and frameworks. They may also cover research that provides a novel and alternative perspective on the transition to open access. Presentations may be keynotes (30-45min) or short presentations (10-15min). Presentation proposals should consist of up to 500 words.

We seek proposals for interactive panels intended to generate lively discussions. We are primarily looking for panels directly relevant to learned societies, but also for panels discussing topics relevant to the global transition to Open Access.
Panels will be composed of 4–8 panelists and last between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Panel proposals should consist of a (maximum) 500-word abstract. Please also provide the names, affiliations, and email addresses of panelists who have agreed to participate.

We welcome poster presentations on research, viewpoints, analysis, and initiatives relevant to the audience and topic. Poster proposals should consist of up to 500 words.

Proposals must be submitted in English to bspf@mdpi.com before 31 July 2020.

We could love to count on your participation at this event! If you have any questions please feel free to visit our conference website or contact bspf@mdpi.com.

Abstract submission deadline: 31 July 2020
Notification of acceptance: around 31 August 2020
Conference dates: Basel (Switzerland), 26-27 October 2020

We look forward to hearing from you and wish all the best in these difficult times.

The Chairs, Program Committee members and Organizers of the 2nd Basel Sustainable Publishing Forum