Reclaiming academic ownership of the scholarly communication system

On 5 June, the European University Association will publish a new briefing on ‘Reclaiming academic ownership of the scholarly communication system: Challenges and opportunities for universities’.

During this launch event from 15.00-16.00 CEST, speakers will present insights and key considerations from the briefing, setting the stage for an open discussion with the audience to explore pathways toward a just scholarly publishing ecosystem, as envisioned in the EUA Open Science Agenda 2025.

Sharing and publishing research results is a fundamental part of the research process and knowledge production, and it relies on the critical examination and discussion of each other's findings. Historically, the primary goals of scholarly communication were to disseminate, exchange and preserve knowledge, through the publication of academic journals and books.

However, today’s scholarly communication system has increasingly diverged from these original purposes. It now presents significant flaws and inefficiencies. It imposes high costs for researchers and research performing organisations, restricts the rapid and wide dissemination of research results and, through its structure and operation, threatens core academic values such as trust and integrity.

To support institutional leaders in navigating these complex dynamics, EUA’s forthcoming briefing describes the current status of academic publishing, highlighting the main factors shaping the system and the key challenges faced by the academic community. It will also identify the opportunities for universities to play a leading role in shaping the future of scholarly communication.