The Nordic Research Council for Criminology has taken a monumental step towards promoting accessibility and knowledge sharing of Nordic criminology by making 24 years of back issues of our journal open access. This move comes as a part of Nordic Journal of Criminology’s transition to the Scandinavian University Press.
For decades, the Nordic Journal of Criminology and its predecessors have published pioneering research addressing the complexities of crime and criminal justice. In a move that reflects the evolving landscape of academic publishing, the journal has in 2023 found a new home at the Scandinavian University Press (Universitetsforlaget), a publisher with a commitment to open access principles. The released archive, spanning the years 2000–2023, is now available to scholars, students, and the public free of charge.
Sébastien Tutenges, Editor-in-Chief of NJC, explains:
‘The archive is a treasure trove of criminological insight. It contains a wealth of studies that can help us understand not only how crime and crime control looked like in the Nordics in the past but also how we can become better at tackling the problems facing us today. Sexual violence, drug dealing, gun violence, you name it! All these social problems and many more are thoroughly dealt with in the now freely available back issues of NJC.’
Continuing a proud heritage
The earliest incarnation of the NJC was the book series Scandinavian Studies in Criminology, which ran from 1965 to 1999. In 2000 the Journal of Scandinavian Studies in Criminology and Crime Prevention was established, and in 2019, the journal changed its name to Nordic Journal of Criminology.
The journal’s move to open access was motivated by a desire to expand the reach and impact of NJC, enabling a broader audience to engage with its high-quality research. The change in publishing model will not only broaden NJC’s readership, but also enhance its impact and relevance.
Heidi Mork Lomell, Council Chair of the Nordic Research Council for Criminology, elaborates:
‘The purpose of NSfK is to further criminological research within our member countries and advise the Nordic governments and the Nordic Council on issues related to criminology and crime prevention. Making our publications available and free of charge is a prerequisite to fulfil this purpose.’
This milestone emphasizes NSfK’s dedication to expanding the accessibility and impact of criminological research, making our journal an essential hub for researchers, policymakers, and the general public in the Nordics.