STM Trends: a Scholarly Communications Futurecast

In the scholarly publishing world, spring brings the annual return of STM Trends, a future-forward look at the entire ecosystem of scholarly communications by members of the STM Association. STM Trends captures the most impactful changes in research and publishing in a single themed image. Its aim is to: 

  • inspire broad thinking,
  • spark conversations,
  • catalyze ideas and solutions — and
  • galvanize those of us working to advance trusted science together.

 


Access the latest Trends here

How are STM Trends created?

STM’s Trends is created annually by members from our STEC Committee and the Future Lab, a discussion forum of over 30 STM members: senior staff in innovations, technology, strategy, business development, platforms, IT. In a group discussion, participants identify key technology-driven trends that are likely to impact the STM publishing industry in the next three to five years. Our methodology is based on the Delphi-method for technology forecasting. The outcome of this is translated every year into an infographic that looks up to 5 years ahead.

The Latest from STM

STM Trends 2030: A Voyage Into The Unknown

STM has today published STM Trends 2030: A Voyage Into The Unknown: Navigating Shifts, Propelling Discovery — its annual horizon-scan of the forces shaping scholarly communications. Developed each year by senior members of STM’s STEC Committee (link) and Future Lab — a discussion forum drawing on innovation, technology, and strategy expertise from across the membership…

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STM grows its team: two new appointments

STM is pleased to welcome two new colleagues who joined the team in spring 2026. Georgiana Svensmark-Baciu joins as Senior Manager, Public Affairs EU, based in Brussels. She brings a strong background in publishing, open science, and strategic communications, most recently at Elsevier where she led the global launch of AI products for researchers and coordinated…

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CAS reportedly restricts funding for high-APC open access journals

On 3 April, China’s state-owned Central Television reported on CAS’s new policy ceasing funding for approximately 30 fully open access journals with article publishing charges (APCs) above US$5,000. Limitations would apply to use of academic and national funding and would not preclude authors from self-funding to publish in these journals. It is important to note…

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US grant funding continues to trickle out

As noted previously, OMB has reportedly been slow to release funding for federal agencies to issue grants. In addition, staff reductions across the government have increased delays in grant review and approval. This has led to a significant reduction in grant approvals and disbursements, as one can see for NSF and NIH based on public information available. Last…

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