Navigating the Open Access Transition: ASPET’s Strategic Response
The landscape of scientific publishing is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a mandate from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) known as the Nelson Memo. This directive requires that all federally funded research be made freely available to the public immediately upon publication, effectively eliminating the traditional 12-month embargo period. For associations that rely heavily on revenue from scholarly journals, like the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET), this shift presents both challenges and opportunities. David Jackson, MBA, CAE, Executive Officer at ASPET, shared how his organization is adapting to these changes while maintaining its role as a valuable resource for its members.
The Implications of the Nelson Memo
The Nelson Memo represents a significant acceleration in the open access (OA) movement, which has been gradually reshaping the publishing industry for decades. By mandating that all research funded by federal agencies be available immediately upon publication, the memo disrupts the traditional subscription-based revenue model that many associations, including ASPET, have relied upon.
“Open access is accelerating, and associations must adapt quickly to maintain relevance and financial stability,” says Jackson. This mandate means that journals can no longer keep federally funded research behind a paywall for 12 months, which has been a significant source of revenue. For ASPET, where over two-thirds of revenue comes from its journals, the financial implications are substantial.
Strategic Adaptation: Launching ASPET Discovery and Partnering with a Publisher
In response to these changes, ASPET is launching a new gold open access journal, ASPET Discovery, in 2025. This new journal is part of ASPET’s broader strategy to adapt to the open access model while continuing to serve its members and the scientific community effectively. In addition, ASPET is partnering with Elsevier, the largest scholarly publisher in the world, next year to help them navigate the rapidly evolving publishing landscape.
“Launching ASPET Discovery is a critical step in providing more options for researchers as we navigate the open access transition,” Jackson explains. This journal will offer a platform for researchers who are either mandated to publish open access by their funding sources or who choose to do so voluntarily. By providing this option, ASPET aims to retain and attract authors who are seeking reputable, peer-reviewed outlets for their work in the evolving landscape of scientific publishing. Additionally, moving from self-published to publishing with Elsevier will provide ASPET with resources and capabilities to compete in a very demanding environment for publishers.
Shifting the Focus to Authors
One of the most significant shifts in the open access era is the need for associations to become more author-centric. Traditionally, scholarly journals operated on a subscription model where the emphasis was on exclusivity and impact. However, with the move towards open access, the focus is shifting towards publishing more content and attracting a broader range of research.
“Associations need to focus on being more author-centric to thrive in the changing publishing landscape,” Jackson emphasizes. This means that ASPET, and other associations like it, must not only maintain the high standards of peer review and scientific rigor but also enhance their efforts to attract and retain authors. This includes offering competitive publication fees, providing robust editorial support and ensuring wide visibility and dissemination of published work.
Financial Realities and Experimentation
The financial impact of moving to an open access model is a reality that ASPET is keenly aware of. If ASPET were to convert all its existing subscription journals to open access, it would result in a significant reduction in revenue—potentially cutting it by half. This scenario is not unique to ASPET but is a challenge faced by many associations that depend on journal subscriptions as a major revenue source.
To address these financial challenges, ASPET is experimenting with different models and approaches with the support of Elsevier. The launch of ASPET Discovery is one such experiment, but Jackson acknowledges that the organization is still in a period of transition. “There’s just going to be a lot of experimentation in the field to figure out how to make this work for all the stakeholders,” he notes.
Engaging with the Scientific Community
As ASPET navigates this transition, it is actively engaging with its members and the broader scientific community to gather input and provide feedback on how best to implement the Nelson Memo’s requirements. This includes working closely with federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to ensure that the policies developed are fair and sustainable for both publishers and authors.
Additionally, ASPET is committed to supporting its members—many of whom are researchers and authors themselves—as they adapt to these changes. This includes providing guidance on compliance with new open access mandates and helping members understand the implications for their work and careers.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Scientific Publishing
As the open access movement continues to gain momentum, the future of scientific publishing will undoubtedly look different from the past. Jackson believes that while the timeline for these changes is uncertain, the direction is clear. “It’s not a matter of if open access will become a big deal for every association; it’s just a matter of when,” he says.
For associations like ASPET, the key to thriving in this new landscape will be adaptability, innovation and a continued focus on delivering value to their members and the broader scientific community. By embracing the changes brought about by open access, ASPET is positioning itself to continue playing a vital role in the advancement of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics for years to come.
