Cambridge University Press Launches Ambitious Review to Revolutionize Open Research Landscape

In a bold move to address the pressing issues within the current open research publishing ecosystem, Cambridge University Press (CUP) has announced a comprehensive, “community-led” review aimed at reforming what they describe as a “broken landscape” fraught with inequity.

This initiative seeks to forge impactful and feasible solutions that not only spur innovation but also meet the diverse needs of researchers while remaining sustainable for all key stakeholders involved. To that end, CUP is inviting an array of participants—including researchers, librarians, publishers, funders, and other publishing partners from around the globe—to engage in this revolutionary review. Various channels for participation will be made available, such as workshops, interviews, and an online survey, facilitated by independent research consultancy Shift Insight.

The project will focus on four pivotal areas essential to the future of open research: the interconnectivity of publishing, reward, and recognition; equity in research dissemination; integrity within research practices; and the impact of technological advancements on the future of research publishing. A comprehensive report detailing the findings, challenges, and innovative solutions aimed at propelling the transition to open research will be released in the summer.

Mandy Hill, the managing director of CUP, emphasized the urgent need for transformative change in the publishing landscape. “While we’ve made strides toward achieving a fully open publishing model, substantial issues persist. The current frameworks are becoming increasingly unsustainable and fail to adequately support researchers striving to leverage cutting-edge technologies. The existing reward and recognition systems reinforce the status quo, while ongoing inequities impede broader research dissemination. Additionally, maintaining research integrity in the face of technological disruption demands a re-evaluation of our practices.”

Dr. Jessica Gardner, the university librarian at the University of Cambridge, echoed the sentiments shared by Hill, stating, “Open research practices and a culture rooted in transparency are integral to Cambridge’s research strategy, enabling us to fulfill our mission of making significant societal contributions at the highest standards of excellence. By fostering collaboration and dialogue, we aim to convene a multitude of perspectives that will help shape a more sustainable and equitable future in open research.”

This potentially groundbreaking initiative underscores the importance of collective input from the academic community in redefining the trajectory of academic publishing. Interested participants are encouraged to get involved by reaching out via the designated email.

Stay tuned for updates on this transformative journey that could reshape the landscape of academic research and publishing!