Cambridge University Press announces 'radical' open research review across 'broken landscape' of inequity

Cambridge University Press (CUP) will conduct a “radical, community-led” review of the open research publishing ecosystem to address the “broken current landscape”.

The review aims to identify bold and workable solutions that support innovation and researchers’ needs in a manner that’s sustainable for all major stakeholders.

The press is inviting researchers, librarians, publishers, funders and publishing partners across the globe to participate in the review, via workshops, interviews and an online survey supported by independent research consultancy, Shift Insight.

The project – dubbed “radical, community-led” by CUP – will focus on four areas crucial to the future of open research: the link between publishing, reward and recognition, equity in research dissemination, research integrity, technological change and the future of research publishing.

A report, which will present the challenges and set out ideas and solutions for the next phase of the open transition, will be shared in the summer.

CUP said it "will support ongoing engagement within the academic community to implement solutions which accelerate change".

Mandy Hill, managing director of the publisher, said:  “We have made significant progress towards becoming a fully open publisher, but something is still broken in the current landscape.

“Without more radical change, models will become increasingly unsustainable and will fail to support researchers as they seek to use the latest technologies. Reward and recognition models incentivise the status quo. Inequities hold back research dissemination. There are critical questions around ensuring research integrity. Technological disruptions will force us to rethink key parts of our approach.

“We cannot tackle these challenges alone. Radical change and consultation involving the whole academic community is required to redefine the future of academic publishing.”

Dr Jessica Gardner, university librarian at the University of Cambridge, said: “Open research practices and a culture based on openness are at the heart of Cambridge’s approach to research and helps underpin our mission to contribute to society at the highest international levels of excellence. Drawing on our belief in collaboration and discussion, Cambridge is well-placed to help convene ideas from a diversity of voices and specialisms to help shape our commitment to a more sustainable and equitable open research future.”

To take part in the initiative, email office@shift-insight.co.uk.