Announcement of Completed Ownership Transfer

The Researcher to Reader Conference, widely known as R2R, has completed its ownership transfer. The move, first announced in February 2026, transfers control of the organizing company from founder Mark Carden to SKS Knowledge Services GmbH under the leadership of Tiberius Ignat. This development secures the event's continuity as Carden approaches retirement while preserving its core mission of fostering dialogue across the scholarly communications ecosystem.

The transfer ensures that the annual gathering in London will continue without disruption. The next edition is scheduled for 23-24 February 2027 at a central London venue. Organizers have outlined plans for an open call for papers in July and August 2026, with registration opening in October. Participants can expect the same collaborative atmosphere that has defined the event since its inception in 2016.

Background on the Researcher to Reader Conference

The Researcher to Reader Conference serves as a premier forum for examining how academic knowledge moves from creators to end users. It brings together senior professionals from funders, research institutions, publishing houses, libraries, technology providers, and related fields. Attendance typically ranges from 150 to 200 delegates, creating an intimate setting for in-depth discussions rather than large-scale presentations.

Sessions often feature workshops, panels, roundtables, debates, interviews, and lightning talks. Recent themes have included early career researcher challenges, open access standards, data sharing practices, transformative agreements, business model innovations, and research integrity. The event emphasizes practical outcomes and honest exchanges over abstract theory.

Over the years, the conference has adapted to changing circumstances. Early editions took place at BMA House in London. The 2021 gathering shifted fully online with high participant approval. Subsequent years incorporated hybrid formats before returning to in-person focus with selective online elements. Feedback has remained consistently positive, highlighting the value of cross-sector conversations.

History and Evolution of R2R

Launched in 2016, the Researcher to Reader Conference emerged to address gaps in communication within scholarly publishing. It fills a niche by connecting disparate stakeholders who rarely interact directly. Topics have evolved alongside industry shifts, from discussions on open access transitions to explorations of artificial intelligence in peer review and preprint servers.

The event has maintained a consistent emphasis on the full lifecycle of scholarly content. This includes everything from initial research creation through editing, distribution, discovery, and consumption by readers. Organizers have prioritized formats that encourage participation, ensuring that attendees leave with actionable insights rather than passive knowledge.

By 2026, the conference marked its 11th year. Its reputation rests on neutrality and inclusivity, drawing voices from across the supply chain without favoring any single perspective. This balanced approach has helped it become a trusted space for addressing mutual challenges in academic knowledge dissemination.

Details of the Ownership Transfer Process

The acquisition involves Scholarly & Academic Services Ltd, the entity that has operated the conference since its founding. SKS Knowledge Services GmbH completed the purchase, bringing the event under new stewardship. The process was designed for minimal disruption, with Carden remaining involved as an advisor during the transition period.

Announcements at the February 2026 conference outlined the intent, and the formal completion occurred in early June 2026. Both parties emphasized continuity in programming and values. The new owners have committed to retaining key features while introducing enhancements for broader reach and lasting impact.

SKS brings existing expertise in organizing scholarly events, conducting European Union-funded research projects, offering consultancy services, and distributing research information on behalf of major publishers. This background aligns closely with the conference's objectives and supports expanded activities beyond the annual meeting.

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Profiles of Key Individuals and the New Owner

Mark Carden founded the Researcher to Reader Conference and has directed it for over a decade. His vision centered on creating honest dialogue among stakeholders in scholarly communications. Carden will continue providing guidance to maintain institutional knowledge and smooth operations.

Tiberius Ignat serves as General Director of SKS Knowledge Services. A long-time participant in R2R events, Ignat has expressed commitment to preserving the conference's strengths while exploring ways to extend its influence. His organization focuses on practical applications in research support, citizen science initiatives, and technology adoption in libraries and publishing.

SKS Knowledge Services operates as a mission-driven entity in the knowledge sector. It supports European libraries with new technologies, facilitates research projects, and promotes responsible research practices. The company's portfolio includes event management and information distribution services that complement the R2R mission.

Implications for the Scholarly Publishing Community

The completed transfer provides stability for an event that plays a vital role in shaping conversations around academic publishing. Stakeholders benefit from assured continuity at a time when the sector faces pressures from funding changes, technological disruption, and evolving open access models.

Publishers, librarians, and researchers gain a reliable platform for addressing shared concerns such as research integrity, equitable access, and sustainable business models. The new ownership introduces potential for additional resources and international perspectives through SKS's European networks.

Early career professionals in academia stand to gain from sustained programming that highlights pathways from research production to dissemination. The event's focus on practical collaboration supports professional development across disciplines.

Future Outlook and 2027 Conference Plans

Planning for the February 2027 edition is already underway. The call for papers will invite proposals on emerging topics in scholarly communications. Organizers aim to build on past successes while incorporating new elements that extend conversations beyond the physical event.

Potential expansions include asynchronous resources and cross-geographic initiatives that allow broader participation. These developments align with goals of making outcomes more enduring and accessible across time zones.

The partnership positions R2R to explore themes such as academic freedom, responsible research and innovation, and measurable research impact. Emphasis remains on improving overall research quality through informed dialogue.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Broader Context

Participants from various sectors have welcomed the news as a positive step for the community. The acquisition reflects a shared commitment to maintaining independent spaces for discussion amid industry consolidation.

In the wider landscape of academic publishing, events like R2R complement larger conferences by offering focused, interactive formats. They contribute to ongoing efforts to enhance transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in knowledge exchange.

Universities and research institutions benefit indirectly through improved channels for sharing findings and navigating publishing options. The transfer supports long-term ecosystem health by ensuring specialized forums endure.

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Engagement Opportunities for Academics and Researchers

Researchers interested in contributing can prepare submissions for the upcoming call for papers. Topics might range from preprint peer review processes to equity issues in global publishing.

Attendance provides direct access to decision-makers and peers. Many delegates report forming collaborations that extend well beyond the event dates.

Those unable to attend in person can follow updates through the official channels and consider virtual participation options when available. The conference's history of high satisfaction ratings underscores its value for professional growth.

Conclusion and Long-Term Impact

The completion of the R2R ownership transfer marks a significant milestone in ensuring the enduring relevance of this key scholarly communications forum. With new stewardship from SKS Knowledge Services and continued advisory input from founder Mark Carden, the Researcher to Reader Conference is well-positioned for sustained growth and innovation.

As the academic community navigates rapid changes in publishing practices, dedicated spaces for cross-sector exchange remain essential. This development reinforces the event's role in advancing thoughtful, evidence-based progress in how research reaches its audiences.

Professionals across higher education and research are encouraged to engage with the 2027 program. Details on participation will be available through established channels as planning progresses.