The Future of Science Publishing

Edward Bellamy’s story “With the eyes shut” discusses a multi-functional device that has much in common with the modern smartphone. One use case Bellamy foresaw for his device was the audiobook, and as we know audiobooks delivered by smartphone have grown in popularity. Indeed, advances in digital technology have transformed all aspects of book publishing. We consider here the impact on just one form of publishing: the dissemination of scientific research. Digital technology has permitted the shift from traditional, laborious methods of publication to faster, digital formats that enhance accessibility and collaboration. And the future? Scientific publishing will likely integrate AI for peer review and plagiarism detection, and promote real-time collaboration, vastly improving upon past processes.