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NATIONAL/REGIONAL PUBLICATION OF ORIGINAL RESEARCH IN A GLOBALISING WORLD

NATIONAL/REGIONAL PUBLICATION OF ORIGINAL RESEARCH IN A GLOBALISING WORLD Wieland Gevers, Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) ASSAf nearing completion of DST – sponsored study: strategic approach to publishing of research journals in S. Africa

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NATIONAL/REGIONAL PUBLICATION OF ORIGINAL RESEARCH IN A GLOBALISING WORLD

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  1. NATIONAL/REGIONAL PUBLICATION OF ORIGINAL RESEARCH IN A GLOBALISING WORLD • Wieland Gevers, Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) • ASSAf nearing completion of DST – sponsored study: • strategic approach to publishing of research journals in S. Africa • promoting/enhancing their national and international standing • improving their productivity/efficiency in local/regional science system • ensuring wide audience for research published locally (e.g. electronic): • both research communities and society

  2. Point of departure:Local/regional publishing of research is desirable/valuable: • wide local participation in editing/peer reviewing • networking scholars and postgrad. students • fostering disciplinary coherence • facilitating South African contributions to local/regional/global • knowledge • reflecting local/regional focus, depth and strength in particular fields • show-casing the country’s/region’s scientific achievements in a • concentrated way • drawing in wide local/regional audiences in government, higher • education science councils, schools, the media and the general public

  3. BUT……QUALITY IS CRUCIAL • 6-7000 actively publishing researchers in S. Africa • 6-7000 research articles produced p.a. • ISI-listed Un-listed • Articles Journals Articles Journals • S. African 350 17 2000 - 3000 300+ • Non S. Africa 3200 8800 250 - 500 ? • Most S.African research journals: • infrequent (1-3 issues p.a.) • thin (6-10 articles/issue) • poorly cited in ISI system • financially unstable • ASSAf’s “Editors’ Survey” done: • “will to live” (effort needed) • use peer review • reject low% of submissions • professionally edited most viable

  4. ASSAf’s Study Report (end -2005) • Introduction, background, context • S.Africa’s ISI – listed journals reviewed • All South African “output” reviewed • Editors’ Survey analysed • Impact of e-publishing and a few future scenarios • Conclusions and recommendations

  5. Some emerging ideas for strengthening the S.African Science system through locally published journals: • Increased numbers of listed journals • Improved peer review system (recognition as “output”) • Increased frequency/ size of issues (+ “on time” publication;), disciplinary • consolidation • Financial viability through revenue mix : subscriptions, page charges • (DoE/subsidy), adverts, sponsorship, subsidy • World-wide electronic dissemination (print and, especially, on-line) • Continental link-up and planning

  6. “QUEST-Science for South Africa” • new ASSAf Science magazine • show-casing South African research in all journals, by authors themselves • writing for the general public, senior school learners, and teachers, • researchers, public at large • 6 issues p.a. • Cooperation contracts planned with government departments and agencies; • distribution to schools; commercial sale and subscriptions • A South African “New Scientist” with a very local flavour… • (with “South African Journal of Scientist” as a local “Nature”….)

  7. Overall conclusion: Quality is the key: if high – arguments for local journals hold if low – arguments for local journals disappear

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