FORCE2026 at SMU Marks a Milestone for Scholarly Communication in Asia

Singapore Management University (SMU) recently hosted FORCE2026, the premier international conference on scholarly communication and open science, from 3 to 5 June 2026. This marked the first time the event, organised by FORCE11, took place in Asia, bringing together researchers, publishers, librarians, developers, funders and other stakeholders to address evolving challenges in research publishing.

The theme, “To Go Far, Go Together: Advancing Scholarly Communication Across Boundaries and Disruptions,” underscored the need for collaboration amid rapid technological and geopolitical changes. SMU Libraries played a central role in organising the gathering on campus, highlighting Singapore’s growing influence in global academic discourse.

FORCE11 and the Evolution of Scholarly Communication

FORCE11, the Future of Research Communications and e-Scholarship, has long championed innovative approaches to how research is created, shared and evaluated. Previous editions have focused on open access, data sharing and new publishing models. FORCE2026 built on this legacy by examining how artificial intelligence, changing funding landscapes and regional priorities are reshaping the field.

Participants explored topics such as research assessment reform, AI in scholarly workflows and editorial integrity. The conference also featured DataCite Connect Singapore, extending discussions on persistent identifiers and research data management.

SMU’s Strategic Role in Hosting the Event

SMU’s selection as host reflects its commitment to advancing research excellence and open science practices. As a young, research-intensive university, SMU has invested heavily in digital infrastructure and international partnerships. Hosting FORCE2026 allowed the institution to showcase its capabilities while positioning Singapore as a hub for scholarly innovation in the region.

University leaders, including SMU President Professor Lily Kong, emphasised the importance of inclusive dialogue. The event drew international delegates, fostering connections between Asian institutions and global networks.

Key Themes: Open Science, AI and Publishing Integrity

Sessions delved into practical challenges facing academics and institutions. Discussions on open science highlighted initiatives to make research outputs more accessible and reusable, aligning with Singapore’s national research priorities.

AI emerged as a central topic, with panels examining its role in peer review, manuscript preparation and ethical considerations. Editorial perspectives addressed rising concerns around research integrity, including retractions and predatory practices.

Participants also considered how funding agencies and universities can better support early-career researchers navigating these changes.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Implications for Singapore’s Higher Education Sector

The conference reinforced Singapore’s position as a leader in higher education and research. Local universities, including the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, benefit from strengthened networks and shared best practices.

Faculty and librarians gained actionable insights into implementing open access policies and leveraging new tools for research dissemination. The event also spotlighted opportunities for collaboration across ASEAN institutions.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Collaborative Outcomes

Researchers praised the diversity of viewpoints, noting how sessions bridged disciplinary and geographic divides. Publishers and funders discussed sustainable models for open access, while librarians shared strategies for supporting data management plans.

Networking events facilitated partnerships that are expected to yield joint projects and policy recommendations in the coming years.

Future Outlook for Scholarly Communication

FORCE2026 signals a shift toward more collaborative, boundary-crossing approaches. As AI tools mature and open science mandates expand, institutions must adapt quickly to maintain research quality and impact.

For Singapore, continued investment in training, infrastructure and international engagement will be essential. The conference outcomes are likely to influence national strategies on research evaluation and open access.

Practical Insights for Academics and Administrators

Attendees left with concrete recommendations: adopt FAIR data principles, engage with preprint servers, and participate in community-driven initiatives like FORCE11. Administrators were encouraged to review institutional policies on publishing support and research assessment.

Early-career scholars were advised to build international networks and stay informed about evolving integrity standards.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

SMU’s Ongoing Commitment to Open Science

Following the conference, SMU Libraries continue to offer workshops and resources on scholarly communication. The university’s institutional repository, SMU Scholar, supports open access dissemination across its colleges.

These efforts align with broader national goals of enhancing research visibility and collaboration.