Why safeguarding quality matters more than ever
The academic publishing landscape is changing, driven by digital platforms that speed dissemination but also raise concerns about misinformation. Institutions and publishers must prioritise digital excellence and peer reviewed content to safeguard research integrity.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has potential to improve research workflows and expand access, but it also presents risks. These include misinformation and threats to research integrity. Publishers have an opportunity to integrate AI tools that support credibility and trust. Key questions are whether to accept AI assisted research for publication and how to incorporate AI into decision making.
At the same time, open access policies and new funding models are disrupting traditional frameworks. Publishers must diversify their revenue while maintaining credible content. Innovative approaches, such as the Diamond model where institutions fund article publication, are gaining ground. Experimentation will be key to remaining relevant and reaching new audiences.
"Opportunities & threats: academic media" by Anca Babor, director of customer and markets at BMJ Group, was featured as a feature article on 28 February 2025 in InPublishing, under the Publishing Partners Guide 2025, which accompanied that month's January/February 2025 issue of InPublishing magazine.
The challenge of balancing open-access mandates with financial sustainability echoes similar shifts in media and creative industries adapting to "free content" models. Lessons from these industries, such as leveraging personalisation, community engagement, and user-driven innovation, help inform academic publishing strategies. Streamlined submission systems and enhanced user-centric designs are critical to accelerating the journey from submission to acceptance, ultimately improving research accessibility and impact.
Strong example initiatives include preprint communities (eg. medRxiv), whereby researchers are invited to share early process feedback. Smaller publishers, with their ability to offer personalised services and nimble operations, are poised to do well and highlight the importance of agility and adaptability in the global publishing arena.
As publishers adopt digital tools and data-driven strategies, safeguarding research quality and preventing manipulation or misinformation is paramount. Additionally, aligning with evolving global standards, such as prioritising equity, diversity, and inclusion, is essential for fostering an inclusive environment for authors and readers alike. BMJ Group integrates patient perspectives to ensure research is relevant, ethical, and credible, meeting the demand for integrity and inclusivity. Other notable steps include rigorous peer-review processes and transparent data-sharing practices that promote accountability.
Balancing open access with financial sustainability echoes changes seen in media and creative industries adapting to free content models. Lessons from these industries, such as using personalisation, community engagement, and user driven innovation, can inform publishing strategies. More efficient submission systems and user centred design are needed to speed the journey from submission to acceptance and increase research impact. Preprint platforms, such as medRxiv, show the benefits of early feedback. Smaller publishers, with agile and personalised services, may also thrive.
As digital tools and data driven strategies become central, safeguarding quality and preventing manipulation is essential. Publishers must also align with global standards on equity, diversity, and inclusion to foster an inclusive environment for authors and readers. BMJ integrates patient perspectives to ensure research is relevant, ethical, and credible. Other key measures include rigorous peer review and transparent data sharing.
Sustainability is also vital. Publishers should reduce environmental impact and align with global climate goals. BMJ has reduced its print frequency and expanded online updates as part of a wider effort to reduce its footprint. Ethical publishing means combining content integrity with sustainable practice and a commitment to inclusivity.
The future of academic publishing belongs to those who can balance innovation with integrity. Adaptability will be essential to meet the challenges ahead.
