ASSAf Webinar Set to Guide Researchers Through 2026 Scholarly Publishing Changes

The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) has announced a focused workshop titled Navigating the scholarly publishing landscape in 2026, scheduled for 19 June 2026. The event runs from 10:00 to 13:00 SAST and will be hosted on Zoom and YouTube. Early career researchers across South Africa are invited to participate in this session designed to address rapid shifts in how research findings are shared and evaluated.

Understanding the Rapid Evolution of Research Communication

Scholarly publishing is changing faster than at any point in recent memory. Factors driving this pace include advances in digital tools, global demands for wider access to findings, and increasing volumes of submissions from researchers worldwide. In South Africa, these trends intersect with national priorities around innovation and knowledge dissemination managed through established scientific bodies.

The workshop aims to equip participants with practical strategies for responsible publishing amid these developments. Attendees will gain clarity on navigating platforms, maintaining standards, and adapting to new expectations in research output.

The Role of ASSAf in Strengthening National Research Visibility

ASSAf operates the Scholarly Publishing Programme to support high-quality, peer-reviewed outputs from South African researchers. This includes managing platforms that apply international best practices to ensure accessibility and discoverability. Through these efforts, South African contributions to global scientific discourse receive greater exposure without barriers to access.

Key components involve federated journal hosting systems that nurture local publications. These systems help maintain rigorous peer review while promoting open models that align with broader goals of equitable knowledge sharing. Researchers benefit from resources that streamline submission, review, and dissemination processes.

AI Reshaping Research and Publishing Practices

Artificial intelligence is transforming multiple stages of the research lifecycle, from literature review and data analysis to manuscript preparation and peer review. Tools powered by AI can assist with language refinement, plagiarism detection, and even predictive analytics for journal selection. However, these capabilities also raise considerations around accuracy, bias, and ethical use.

The ASSAf session will explore accountable integration of such technologies. Participants will learn about guidelines that promote transparency when AI assists in communication of findings. This approach helps preserve the integrity of scientific records while harnessing efficiency gains.

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Open Access Becoming the Default Model

Open access publishing removes paywalls, allowing readers anywhere to view full articles without subscription fees. In South Africa, this model supports broader participation in scientific conversations, particularly benefiting researchers and institutions with limited budgets. Platforms hosted under ASSAf initiatives exemplify diamond open access, where neither authors nor readers incur direct costs.

Adoption of open access has accelerated due to funder mandates and institutional policies. The workshop will discuss practical steps for researchers to select compliant venues and understand licensing options that protect author rights while maximising reach. This shift enhances the visibility of South African science on international stages.

Addressing Surging Submission Volumes and Quality Concerns

Global submission rates to journals have risen significantly, creating pressure on editorial processes and review systems. Higher volumes can lead to delays or challenges in maintaining consistent quality standards. In the South African context, this trend coincides with efforts to expand research capacity across disciplines.

Questions of research integrity become more prominent as output grows. Issues such as duplicate publication, image manipulation, and data fabrication require vigilant oversight. The upcoming session will provide guidance on best practices for ethical conduct throughout the publication journey, helping researchers avoid common pitfalls.

Practical Support for Early Career Researchers

Early career researchers often face unique hurdles when entering the publishing arena. Limited experience with journal selection, response to reviewer comments, and understanding metrics can create uncertainty. The ASSAf workshop targets these gaps with targeted sessions on responsible publishing strategies.

By focusing on navigation of the current environment, the event offers actionable insights rather than abstract theory. Participants will leave better prepared to contribute meaningfully to scientific literature while upholding high standards of conduct.

Broader Implications for Science Communication in South Africa

Effective scholarly publishing underpins evidence-based decision making and public engagement with science. When research outputs are accessible and reliable, they inform policy, industry innovation, and community awareness. ASSAf's initiatives contribute to a robust ecosystem that positions South African science competitively.

Challenges like predatory journals and shifting evaluation criteria affect researchers at all stages. Educational events such as this webinar help build resilience against these issues by fostering informed choices and awareness of reputable channels.

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How to Participate and What to Expect

Registration details and the full programme are available through the official ASSAf announcement. The three-hour format includes presentations and discussions tailored to practical application. Virtual delivery ensures accessibility for participants across provinces and time zones.

Following the event, resources and recordings are expected to support ongoing reference. This aligns with ASSAf's commitment to capacity building in research communication.

Future Outlook for Scholarly Publishing

Looking ahead, the interplay of technology, policy, and global collaboration will continue to shape the field. South African stakeholders, through bodies like ASSAf, are actively contributing to international dialogues on standards and innovation. Events like the June workshop represent proactive steps to prepare the next generation of researchers.

By emphasising responsibility alongside adaptation, the focus remains on sustaining trust in published science. This foundation supports long-term advancement of knowledge that benefits society at large.