The International Science Council (ISC) has published two papers on the future of scientific publishing. The first paper contains eight key principles which, according to the Council, should determine the course of development of scientific publishing. The second paper, entitled The Case for Reform of Scientific Publishing, presents a reform plan for the scientific publishing system based on the key principles, according to the authors. The ISC invites all its members and the wider scientific community to participate in a survey on the two papers by 1 March 2024.
Eight key principles for the future of scholarly publishing
The eight key principles include universal, immediate and open access to scientific information, coupled with accessibility and equality in publication opportunities for researchers - regardless of language, financial means and institutional or geographical location. The paper also mentions the standard allocation of open licences for scientific publications and rigorous, timely and continuous peer reviews as further basic principles.
Reform plan for the scholarly publishing system
According to the ISC, the second paper discusses the priorities for a comprehensive reform plan for the scientific publishing system, which, among other things, focuses on improving the peer review process and ensuring open access. The plan is intended to help develop the so-called publish-or-perish culture into a publication culture that values diverse contributions to science and prioritises the global dissemination of knowledge as a public good.
Further links
- The complete paper with all eight key principles for the future of scholarly publishing can be found here: https://council.science/actionplan/why-scientific-publishing-matters/publishingprinciples/
A more detailed description of these key principles can be downloaded here: https://council.science/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Key-Principles-for-Scientific-Publishing.pdf - You can download the discussion paper The Case for Reform of Scientific Publishing at the following link: https://council.science/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/The-Case-for-Reform-for-Scientific-Publishing_2023.pdf
- To participate in the opinion poll on the two papers, click here (scroll down to the poll): https://council.science/publications/key-principles-for-scientific-publishing/