ALPSP, the Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers, is preparing to deliver two focused virtual training programmes in July 2026 that address core challenges in scholarly publishing. The sessions on publication ethics and agile project management respond directly to the evolving needs of journal teams, editors, and publishing professionals who manage research output under increasing scrutiny for integrity and efficiency.
Background on ALPSP and Its Role in Scholarly Publishing
Founded to support not-for-profit publishers, ALPSP provides training, advocacy, and networking for organisations that produce academic and professional content. Its virtual programmes bring practical expertise to participants worldwide without the need for travel. The July offerings build on a long-standing commitment to professional development in an industry where standards for research integrity and operational agility continue to rise.
The Growing Importance of Publication Ethics
Publication ethics encompasses the principles and practices that safeguard the reliability of scholarly literature. Issues such as plagiarism, data fabrication, authorship disputes, and image manipulation require clear policies and trained staff to address them effectively. Training helps teams recognise red flags early and apply consistent procedures when problems arise, protecting the reputation of journals and the broader research community.
Details of the Introduction to Publication Ethics Course
Scheduled for 7 and 8 July 2026, the live online course runs each day from 09:00 to 12:00. It offers a structured introduction suitable for journal staff at all levels. Participants examine common forms of misconduct, learn detection methods, and explore resolution strategies. The programme emphasises real-world application, enabling attendees to strengthen their organisation’s ethical framework upon return to daily operations.
Agile Project Management in the Publishing Context
Traditional publishing workflows often follow linear stages that can struggle with rapid changes in technology, author expectations, and market demands. Agile approaches, adapted from software development, emphasise iterative planning, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous feedback. The four-day ALPSP course running 6 to 9 July 2026 introduces these principles specifically tailored to publishing projects such as journal launches, special issues, and platform migrations.
Practical Benefits for Publishing Teams
Professionals who complete the agile training gain templates and frameworks they can implement immediately. Teams report improved communication between editorial, production, and marketing functions. The ethics course similarly equips participants with confidence to handle sensitive cases, reducing the risk of prolonged disputes or reputational damage. Both programmes are designed and delivered by active publishers, ensuring relevance to current industry conditions.
Who Should Attend These Sessions
Journal managers, editors-in-chief, publishing assistants, and research integrity officers will find direct value. University presses and learned society publishers, in particular, benefit from the not-for-profit perspective that ALPSP brings. Early-career professionals seeking to advance in academic publishing roles also gain foundational knowledge that supports long-term career development.
Registration and Pricing Information
Places are available through the ALPSP website with member and non-member rates. Early booking secures the best pricing, and the organisation encourages organisations to register multiple team members for shared learning. Sessions are live and interactive, with opportunities for questions and discussion throughout each module.
Broader Trends in Scholarly Publishing Training
Virtual formats have become standard for professional development in publishing, allowing global participation while minimising costs. Demand remains strong for training that combines ethical standards with operational efficiency, reflecting the dual pressures of maintaining trust in research and delivering content at pace. ALPSP’s July programme aligns with these priorities.
Future Outlook for Ethics and Agile Practices
As artificial intelligence tools enter editorial workflows and open-access models expand, the need for robust ethical oversight and flexible project management will intensify. Regular training helps organisations stay ahead of emerging risks and adopt new methods without disrupting established quality controls. ALPSP continues to expand its curriculum in response to member feedback and industry developments.
Photo by Krists Luhaers on Unsplash
Actionable Steps for Interested Professionals
Review the full course outlines on the ALPSP site, discuss team training needs with colleagues, and secure places before capacity limits are reached. Organisations can also explore bespoke in-house versions for larger groups. Continued engagement with ALPSP events supports ongoing professional growth in the dynamic field of scholarly communication.
