JOINSTM launches “Publishing Decoded” educational resource center
New resource offers an industry explainer for the scholarly publishing ecosystem where public understanding remains limited
The STM Association today announced the launch of Publishing Decoded, an educational resource designed to explain what scholarly publishing comprises to stakeholders outside the publishing industry.
Publishing Decoded showcases the extensive, often invisible infrastructure work that scholarly publishers provide to support the modern research ecosystem. The accessible microsite serves as an educational resource for journalists, policymakers, funders, and academic stakeholders, explaining how academic publishing operates today and the expanded role that modern publishers play in research.
“Public understanding of scholarly publishing has historically been limited, but it’s arguably more important today because of how technology—including AI—has evolved,” said STM CEO Caroline Sutton. “Key decisions impacting scholarly publishing are often made and influenced by people outside the publishing industry—from policymakers to journalists to funding agencies. We hope Publishing Decoded will serve as a resource to inform these critical conversations and decisions.”
The resource explains the publication process, peer review systems, research integrity protocols, open research practices, licensing frameworks, and the future of scholarly publishing. It serves as both a reference tool for media relations and an educational resource for stakeholders making decisions about research infrastructure partnerships.