Alpine Entomology: The Evolution of a Swiss Scientific Journal
The study of insects requires dedicated platforms for sharing research and observations. One such pillar of the scientific community is Alpine Entomology, a journal with a rich history rooted in the diverse landscapes of Switzerland. From its multilingual beginnings to its modern digital presence, the journal has evolved to meet the changing needs of the global scientific community.
The Origins of the Publication
Established in 1862, the journal was founded by the Swiss Entomological Society. For over a century and a half, it served as a primary record for entomology—the scientific study of insects. To accommodate the linguistic diversity of its region and the international nature of science, the journal was originally published under three different names depending on the language used:
- Mitteilungen der Schweizerischen Entomologischen Gesellschaft (German)
- Bulletin de la Société Entomologique Suisse (French)
- Journal of the Swiss Entomological Society (English)
Throughout its early history, the publication continued to accept and publish scholarly articles in German, French, and eventually English, ensuring that critical insect research was accessible to a broad range of European scholars.
Modernization and Open Access
A significant turning point occurred in March 2017 during the general assembly of the Swiss Entomological Society. To modernize the publication and increase its global reach, the society decided to rename the journal to Alpine Entomology.
Alongside the name change, the society transferred the publishing responsibilities to Pensoft Publishers. This transition was pivotal as it officially moved the journal to an open access model, meaning the research is freely available to the public and the scientific community without subscription barriers.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1862
- Founding Organization: Swiss Entomological Society
- Current Name: Alpine Entomology
- Publishing Partner: Pensoft Publishers
- Access Model: Open Access
- Original Languages: German, French, and English
| Period | Journal Name(s) | Publishing Model |
|---|---|---|
| 1862 – 2017 | Mitteilungen der Schweizerischen Entomologischen Gesellschaft / Bulletin de la Société Entomologique Suisse / Journal of the Swiss Entomological Society | Traditional Subscription/Society Publication |
| 2017 – Present | Alpine Entomology | Open Access (via Pensoft Publishers) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the journal first established?
The journal was established in 1862 by the Swiss Entomological Society.
What were the original names of the journal?
Depending on the language, it was known as Mitteilungen der Schweizerischen Entomologischen Gesellschaft (German), Bulletin de la Société Entomologique Suisse (French), and the Journal of the Swiss Entomological Society (English).
When did the journal change its name to Alpine Entomology?
The decision to rename the journal was made during the general assembly of the Swiss Entomological Society in March 2017.
Who currently publishes Alpine Entomology?
The journal is currently published by Pensoft Publishers.
Is Alpine Entomology an open access journal?
Yes, following the transfer to Pensoft Publishers in 2017, the journal became officially open access.