A Shocking Wave of Resignations
It was a not-so-happy holiday weekend for the Journal of Human Evolution (JHE). With the exception of one person, the entire editorial board packed up their pens, clicked ‘shut down’ on their computers, and walked out, leaving a statement of regret behind. The resignation is the 20th of its kind in the scientific journalism landscape since 2023, signaling a growing divide in the industry.
Clashing Views with Elsevier
The team made it clear in their farewell note that their issue lies with Elsevier, the publishing giant that oversees JHE. They poured their heart into shaping JHE over decades, turning it into a leading name in the field of paleoanthropological research. But over time, their relationship with Elsevier turned sour. They felt strongly that some changes Elsevier has implemented in the past decade fly in the face of the journal’s cherished standards.
What Sparked the Exodus?
Elsevier is accused of cutting corners in their overhaul. They got rid of two crucial positions; a copy editor and a special issues editor. Without these two roles, the remaining editors were swamped, being expected to play multiple parts to keep the journal running smoothly. The editorial board expressed its need for a copy editor, but Elsevier said that editors shouldn’t concern themselves with language, grammar, and other essentials of good writing.
Defining the Controversy
Elsevier seems to have underestimated the role of a copy editor. They are the unsung heroes who turn scientific jargon into readable content. They catch tiny grammar errors that might otherwise slip through, making sure each piece is crystal clear and perfectly polished. But Elsevier disagreed. They suggested that the editors ignore these aspects and focus on purely editorial duties.
This approach clashes with the goal of an editor, whose job it is to ensure the creation of top-notch content that is both accurate and easy to read. It goes against the grain of the editorial philosophy that had been in place at JHE for nearly four decades.
The Impact on Scientific Publishing
The mass walkout at JHE isn’t an isolated case. It’s happened 20 times before since 2023. Scientific journals are facing challenges as controversial changes to their business models are introduced. Both the publishers and the editors are finding themselves trapped in a tug of war over the conditions and ethics of their work.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The JHE case highlights a bigger issue in the world of scientific publishing. This incident flags up the question of whether scientific publishers may need to rethink their strategies and improve their working conditions. Disagreements and discontent not only interrupt the production of valuable research articles, but also erode the trust of those working in the field.
Change is never easy and it is normal for there to be some resistance. However, when the discord leads to an entire editorial board resigning, it is clear that changes need to be reconsidered. For the sake of maintaining integrity in scientific publishing, active dialogue and mutual understanding between journal staff and the publishing house are needed. In the end, the goal should be to create an environment where scientific discovery can be shared in an effective, understandable, and sustainable way.