Physics publishers create ‘Purpose-Led Publishing’ coalition

AIP Publishing, the American Physical Society, and IOP Publishing have joined forces to create Purpose-Led Publishing (PLP), a new coalition with a promise to always put purpose above profit. 

The three scholarly publishers are united by their not-for-profit status, with all the funds made from publishing going back into the research ecosystem. Their collective contributions support the physical science community globally through a range of initiatives, including educational training and mentorship programmes, and awards and grants – all geared toward making science accessible and inclusive to everyone.  

As members of PLP, the publishers have defined a set of industry standards that underpin high-quality, ethical scholarly communications. These form the bedrock of PLP’s promise to the scientific community: 

The coalition says it will always:

• Invest 100% of its funds back into science;
• Publish only the content that genuinely adds to scientific knowledge;
• Ensure it terms are reasonable;
• Put research integrity ahead of profit; and
• Admit errors and set them right.

And will never:

• Relinquish its not-for-profit status; or
• Have shareholders for whom it puts profit above purpose.

Antonia Seymour, Chief Executive at IOP Publishing, said: “We are so important to the research ecosystem — everything we do is for public and scientific good. Purpose-Led Publishing is about our dedication to science, and to the scientific community. We’re proudly declaring that science is our only shareholder.”

Alix Vance, Chief Executive, AIP Publishing, said: “We’re here to benefit science and all those engaged in its advancement. Purpose-Led Publishing lets the research ecosystem know what we stand for as publishers: We authentically lead with purpose and we exist purely to give back to science.” 

Rachel Burley, Chief Publications Officer, American Physical Society, said: “Publishing with a Purpose-Led Publishing member not only advances knowledge through high quality, peer-reviewed journals, it also means researchers are investing in the community they are a part of.”

For more information on PLP, and to keep up to date on the coalition’s activities,  visit www.purposeledpublishing.org