Tom Wilson and Information Research: Pioneers of the diamond open access

Abstract

Introduction. This paper explores the professional and editorial legacy of Professor Tom Wilson, whose contributions to the fields of Information Management and Information Behaviour have shaped academic discourse and enabled the internationalisation of scientific communication in these areas.

Method. A reflective and historical analysis was undertaken, drawing on the authors' direct experience with Professor Wilson and the Information Research journal, combined with archival records, editorial documents and published articles over a 30-year period.

Analysis. The narrative was structured around key milestones in Professor Wilson’s career and the evolution of the journal, with special attention to the editorial policies, innovations in open access, and the support for Ibero-American scholarship. The methodological approach is qualitative, based on testimonial evidence and document analysis.

Results. Findings reveal the central role of Information Research in fostering a truly open, collaborative, and multilingual scientific community. Tom Wilson’s editorial vision enabled early adoption of diamond open access principles, rigorous editorial practices and technological standards that anticipated many later developments in digital scholarly publishing.

Conclusions. Professor Wilson and Information Research are pioneers of diamond open access publishing. Their work continues to influence global scientific communication, especially in emerging academic communities.