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Reflections on Scholarly Publishing in 2025: Challenges, Transitions, and Trust
As 2025 unfolds, scholarly publishing stands at a decisive crossroads. Rapid technological innovation, shifting expectations around openness, and growing concerns over research integrity are collectively reshaping how knowledge is created, evaluated, and disseminated. For editors, publishers, and researchers alike, this moment demands reflectionand action.
Open Access: Progress with Persistent Tensions
Open access (OA) publishing continues to expand, with nearly half of newly published research now freely accessible worldwide. Initiatives such as Plan S and platforms like the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) have accelerated this transformation, reinforcing the principle that publicly funded research should be publicly available.
Yet, the OA model is far from frictionless. Article processing charges (APCs), often ranging between £2,000 and £10,000, raise serious equity concerns, particularly for researchers from low- and middle-income regions. Editors are increasingly aware that openness must not come at the cost of inclusivity. Sustainable, fair funding mechanisms remain one of the most pressing unresolved challenges in the OA ecosystem.
Artificial Intelligence Enters the Editorial Workflow
Artificial intelligence has become deeply embedded in scholarly publishing workflows. From automated language polishing and plagiarism screening to reviewer matching and editorial triage, AI tools are now routine rather than experimental. Publishers view these technologies as efficiency enhancers, helping editors manage growing submission volumes without compromising turnaround times.
At the same time, AI introduces new ethical and editorial complexities. Concerns surrounding AI-generated manuscripts, fabricated data, and undisclosed tool usage have prompted publishers to issue clearer guidance on responsible AI use. Organizations such as COPE are actively shaping policies to ensure innovation does not undermine scholarly credibility.
Trust, Integrity, and the Paper Mill Problem
Trust remains the currency of scholarly publishing, but it is increasingly under strain. The rise of fraudulent submissions, manipulated peer review, and industrial-scale “paper mills” has forced editors to confront uncomfortable realities about quality control. Detection tools, data forensics, and cross-publisher collaboration are now essential components of editorial practice.
Publishers are responding by strengthening integrity checks, increasing transparency in peer review, and investing in editorial training. Restoring confidence in published research is no longer optional; it is foundational to the survival of the scholarly record.
Redefining the Role of Publishers
The role of publishers in 2025 extends well beyond gatekeeping. Today’s publishers are service providers, infrastructure builders, and partners in research communication. Enhanced author support systems, improved submission platforms, and analytics-driven decision-making reflect this shift.
Notably, a growing number of publishers are embracing the philosophy of “publish less, but better.” Prioritizing rigor, relevance, and reproducibility over sheer output aligns closely with editorial values and helps reinforce journal credibility in an increasingly crowded publishing landscape.
Community, Dialogue, and Shared Responsibility
Community engagement remains a powerful driver of progress. Events such as the Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP) Annual Meeting continue to serve as vital forums for discussion, debate, and collaboration. These gatherings underscore a shared understanding: the challenges facing scholarly publishing cannot be solved in isolation.
Editors, reviewers, authors, funders, and publishers must work collectively to shape policies, share best practices, and uphold ethical standards across disciplines and regions.
Looking Forward
Scholarly publishing in 2025 is defined by the convergenceof openness, technology, and accountability. While the road ahead is complex, it also offers unprecedented opportunities to reimagine how research serves society. Editorial leadership, informed policy-making, and cross-sector collaboration will determine whether this transformation strengthens or fragments the scholarly ecosystem.
The future of scholarly publishing is not predetermined. It is shaped daily by editorial decisions, ethical commitments, and collective responsibility. By prioritizing quality, transparency, and collaboration, the academic community can build a publishing environment that is both resilient and worthy of trust.
Keywords
Scholarly publishing Open access Research integrity Artificial intelligence Peer review Academic publishing Publication ethics Transparency Paper mills Editorial workflows
Dr. Maan Abdul Azeez Shafeek Al-Salahi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq. He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Science (Plant and Soil Sciences) from the University of Baghdad. His academic and research interests include plant protection, medical entomology, biological control, and insect pathogens, with strong expertise across these domains.
View All Posts by Maan Abdul Azeez ShafeeqDisclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of their affiliated institutions, the Asian Council of Science Editors (ACSE), or the Editor’s Café editorial team.
