Changing the paradigm for primary research dissemination.

Area of Science:

• Scholarly communication
• Research dissemination
• Scientific publishing systems

Background:

• The dominant research publishing model is inherently inequitable and inefficient, hindering knowledge advancement and societal benefit.
• Open Research Central (ORC) was established to fundamentally rethink research dissemination, promoting trust, transparency, and equitable engagement.
• The non-profit organization operated for five years, generating significant outputs and insights before its dissolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To share the experiences and learnings from Open Research Central (ORC) to aid others in developing a responsible research dissemination system.
• To highlight the ongoing need for global, cross-stakeholder collaboration in validating and disseminating research.
• To explore the challenges in fostering a collective voice and action within the current research and funding landscape.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of Open Research Central's (ORC) operational outputs and learnings.
• Qualitative exploration of the challenges in establishing a unified approach to research validation and dissemination.
• Case study of a non-profit initiative's efforts to reform scholarly communication.

Main Results:

• ORC's five-year operation yielded valuable insights into reforming research dissemination.
• The initiative demonstrated the potential for alternative models to foster trust and transparency.
• Significant challenges persist in creating a collective, cross-stakeholder approach due to the current environment.

Conclusions:

• The experience of ORC provides a foundation for future initiatives aiming for a more equitable research publishing system.
• Continued global dialogue and piloting of solutions are crucial for advancing research validation and dissemination.
• Overcoming systemic barriers and funding limitations is essential for enabling collective action in scholarly communication reform.