Understanding the Dynamics of Editorial Board Departures in Academic Publishing

Academic publishing in the United Kingdom faces ongoing pressures from shifting editorial loyalties and the rise of new journal ventures. Recent analysis highlights how mass resignations by editorial teams can fundamentally alter the trajectory of established titles, sometimes leaving them diminished in influence and output. This phenomenon, explored through empirical study of journal communities, underscores the delicate balance between institutional prestige and the human networks that sustain scholarly communication.

Researchers and administrators at UK universities, from the Russell Group institutions to newer providers, rely heavily on journal reputation for career progression, funding applications, and the Research Excellence Framework assessments managed by UK Research and Innovation. When editorial boards depart en masse, the original publication often struggles to maintain its former standing, while the new venture captures much of the previous momentum.

The Emergence of Breakaway Ventures and Their Predecessors

Breakaway journals arise when entire editorial boards resign from an existing publication to launch a competing title, often citing issues such as pricing, ownership structures, or editorial independence. The original journal, now operating without its core community, becomes what analysts term a zombie publication—one that retains its name and some brand recognition but loses the expertise and author networks that drove its success.

This pattern has gained attention in UK higher education circles, where library budgets at institutions like the University of Oxford, University College London, and the University of Edinburgh are stretched thin amid serials costs. The departure of key editors can accelerate a decline in submissions and citations for the legacy title, shifting the centre of gravity within specific research fields.

Empirical Evidence from Recent Analysis

A 2026 study published in Research Policy examined multiple cases of such transitions, tracking metrics including citation counts, author prestige, and publication volumes before and after board departures. Findings indicate that breakaway titles frequently secure a larger share of high-quality submissions and citations relatively quickly. In contrast, the predecessor journals experience measurable drops in these areas, alongside shifts in the calibre of contributing authors.

The research draws on data from various disciplines, providing a clear picture of diverging paths. Breakaway journals benefit from carrying the collective reputation and relationships of the former board, while zombie titles must rebuild credibility with new editorial teams that may lack the same depth of field-specific expertise.

Coverage in Research Professional News summarises these outcomes, noting the bargaining power this dynamic grants to editorial teams during contract negotiations with publishers.

Implications for UK Researchers and Career Pathways

For academics navigating the UK system, journal choice directly influences promotion, grant success, and participation in national evaluations. Early-career researchers at universities such as the University of Manchester or Imperial College London often prioritise titles with strong impact factors and established readerships. However, the rise of breakaways introduces uncertainty, as prestige can migrate rapidly to new outlets.

University administrators must monitor these shifts when advising staff on publication strategies. Departments in the social sciences and humanities, where journal communities tend to be tightly knit, appear particularly vulnerable to such transitions. The loss of a key title’s momentum can affect not only individual careers but also institutional research profiles submitted to the REF.

Pressures on Library Budgets and Institutional Subscriptions

UK university libraries operate under significant financial constraints, with many facing real-terms cuts in acquisitions budgets. When breakaway journals gain traction, institutions may face decisions about whether to maintain subscriptions to both the legacy title and the new venture. This duplication adds to costs without necessarily expanding access to unique content.

Consortia such as Jisc, which negotiates on behalf of UK higher education, have long advocated for sustainable models. The zombie effect described in the study could prompt renewed scrutiny of big-deal packages from major publishers, encouraging more selective approaches to journal access that prioritise active, community-supported titles.

Connections to Open Access Transitions and Policy Frameworks

The UK has been at the forefront of open access policy through initiatives supported by UKRI and cOAlition S. Breakaway journals often align with diamond or gold open access models that emphasise community control over commercial imperatives. This alignment can accelerate their adoption among researchers seeking ethical and accessible dissemination routes.

Yet the study’s findings suggest that even well-intentioned transitions carry risks for the broader ecosystem. Established titles that lose their editorial core may continue publishing under new management, potentially diluting quality signals that UK funders and assessors rely upon. Policymakers at the Department for Education and UKRI may need to consider how such dynamics intersect with efforts to promote research integrity and value for money.

Case Examples and Stakeholder Perspectives

While specific UK cases remain emerging, analogous situations in other countries illustrate the pattern. Editorial teams in fields such as linguistics and certain STEM areas have successfully launched breakaways that quickly attracted submissions previously directed at the original title. UK-based researchers report similar pressures, with some noting that author loyalty follows editorial expertise more readily than journal branding alone.

Publishers, including those with significant UK operations, face the challenge of retaining editorial talent through improved terms or greater autonomy. University leaders, meanwhile, emphasise the need for transparent communication about journal quality to protect early-career colleagues from investing time in titles that may lose standing.

Future Outlook and Potential Mitigations

Looking ahead, the UK higher education sector may see more frequent editorial transitions as researchers seek greater influence over publishing practices. Proactive measures could include stronger institutional support for editorial service, clearer guidelines on journal evaluation, and enhanced collaboration between libraries, funders, and learned societies.

Monitoring tools and metrics beyond traditional impact factors may help identify titles at risk of zombification. Training programmes for researchers on publication strategy, offered through organisations such as Vitae or university staff development units, could incorporate awareness of these community dynamics.

Ultimately, the health of UK academic publishing depends on sustaining vibrant editorial communities rather than relying solely on institutionalised brands. Stakeholders across the sector have an opportunity to shape outcomes that prioritise quality, accessibility, and researcher agency.

Photo by Vadim Sherbakov on Unsplash

Actionable Insights for Academics and Administrators

Academics are encouraged to evaluate journals based on current editorial boards and recent output rather than historical reputation alone. Administrators can foster discussions within departments about the implications of board changes and support colleagues in navigating transitions.

Institutions might consider developing internal resources that track journal trajectories, drawing on data from sources such as Web of Science or Scopus alongside community feedback. Collaboration with bodies like Universities UK could help coordinate sector-wide responses to emerging challenges in scholarly communication.