Independent Thinking on Publishing's Future
Introduction Impact factors, h-indices and citation counts were designed to describe journals and literature, not to decide careers. This article argues that their misuse now distorts how research is done and judged, and looks at the reforms, from DORA to CoARA, that aim to put expert judgement back at the centre of research assessment. Key … Read more
Introduction The European academic publishing landscape has undergone seismic shifts in recent years, with open access (OA) reform taking center stage. Plan S is at the forefront of this transformation, a bold initiative launched in 2018 by cOAlition S—an international consortium of national research funders and charitable foundations. Its mission? To make all publicly funded … Read more
Introduction Indexation in Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) is a hallmark of quality and credibility in scholarly publishing. For journal editors, especially those in emerging or niche disciplines, getting a journal into these prestigious databases is not merely a badge of honor—it can profoundly affect author submissions, citation metrics, funding opportunities, and the overall … Read more
Introduction Publishing in European academic journals can be both a rewarding and challenging endeavor. While the opportunities for global recognition, academic collaboration, and career advancement are significant, the pathway is often filled with unfamiliar expectations, cultural nuances, and rigorous quality standards. European journals—from those published by large commercial entities to niche society-run titles—are widely respected … Read more
Introduction The open access (OA) movement has dramatically shifted the academic publishing landscape over the past two decades. With the rise of digital publishing and a growing demand for equitable access to publicly funded research, two influential models have emerged in global conversations: Diamond Open Access and Plan S. Each represents a different philosophy and … Read more