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New PA president Seymour says publishers can help UK to become science superpower
Incoming Publishers Association (PA) president Antonia Seymour, c.e.o. of IOP Publishing, set out her priorities in the role for the coming year in the body’s annual general meeting, held in central London yesterday (25th April).
Seymour succeeds Nigel Newton, c.e.o. and founder of Bloomsbury, who remains an officer of the PA. The presidency of the publishing body rotates between trade, education and academic publishers, to reflect the make-up of the industry.
It was also revealed that Perminder Mann, c.e.o. of Bonnier Books UK, has been elected to the position of PA vice-president and treasurer. In addition, the following elections to the Publishers Association’s Council were announced: Stephen Page, Faber & Faber; Rebecca Sinclair, Penguin Random House; Steven Inchcoombe, Springer Nature; Kate Elton, HarperCollins; Kathryn Sharples, Wiley; and Joanna Prior, Pan Macmillan.
In her inaugural speech as president, Seymour said: “I am excited and honoured to be taking up the role of President of the Publishers Association at a time when the publishing industry is enjoying record breaking growth. Publishers matter and my priority is to showcase the value of publishing and to promote the publishing sector as a great place to work.”
She said she hopes that “under the auspices of the PA, the UK publishing community can speak with a single voice on these issues that matter to all of us, large, small, academic, education and consumer, giving us the very best chance of being heard by government and other key parties, and helping ensure our rightful place as an indispensable partner in the knowledge economy.”
Seymour said that what most excites her at the moment is “the growth of science and the vital role that publishers play in that growth”, citing scientific advances in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space and green energy. “I have to pinch myself that I work for the Institute of Physics whose members are at the forefront of these discoveries and that to be publishing world firsts in IOP Publishing’s internationally respected portfolio of journals, books and scientific news services,” she said. ”The UK government, universities, the research community and publishers need to work together if we’re to cement the UK’s place as a global science and technology superpower by 2030. We, the PA, stand ready as an essential partner in achieving that superpower vision."
Moreover, Seymour noted that “the single most important thing the PA can be doing for its members" is campaign for the value of publishing, work she hopes to continue. "Publishers are uniquely placed to make a positive difference in society.
“We need to do a better job of articulating that as we’re not always recognised for the contribution and investments we make. There are increasing examples in the education and academic sector of policymakers, funders and universities going around us. We need to work hard to prove that publishers of all shapes and sizes are indispensable," she said, calling on publishers to “set out our stall and make it clear we’re an industry open to everyone.
“We need an industry value proposition that excites people from all walks of life to want to work in publishing,” she said, adding: “Publishers matter – we all know the work we do has purpose, that’s a big part of why we went into publishing in the first place, but let’s make sure everyone else knows that. As an example, if the UK government wants to be a science superpower then we need to make them aware there’s a thriving UK publishing industry they can look to help them achieve that.”
She said publishers need to “start looking for talent that doesn’t fit the same mould as the talent that has historically come knocking at our door. We have to search in different places and change our recruitment practices to reflect this. Opening our doors to more unique and diverse voices.”
Seymour also said her role would include continuing the work that led up to the Digital Markets, Competition & Consumer Bill being introduced into parliament on 25th April, something the organisation had been calling for.
PA chief executive Dan Conway said of Seymour’s appointment: “I can’t wait to begin working with Antonia in her new role as president. Having already served as vice-president and a PA officer, she knows our organisation back-to-front and I know she will lead with purpose and with a genuine passion for the value that publishing brings."
Of her appointment, Mann said: “I’m delighted to become a PA officer at the Publishers Association as vice- president and treasurer, to champion the contributions of this sector and advocate on behalf of all its people. I am excited to work ever more closely with my colleagues to further highlight the importance of this remarkable industry, the tireless work and innovation of our members, and its invaluable impact on the culture and economy of our country.“
