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Critique: Publishers Profit $14B from Researchers' Unpaid Labor

11/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The analysis critiques scientific publishers’ business model for profits from unpaid labor by researchers and peer reviewers.
From 2019 to 2024, major publishers earned over $14 billion, while researchers paid $2.27 billion.
The system prioritizes profits over integrity and fuels a 'publish or perish' culture.
Experts advocate Diamond Open Access, but cultural and systemic obstacles hinder immediate change.

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Story summary

The analysis critiques scientific publishers’ business model for profits from unpaid labor by researchers and peer reviewers.
From 2019 to 2024, major publishers earned over $14 billion, while researchers paid $2.27 billion.
The system prioritizes profits over integrity and fuels a 'publish or perish' culture.
Experts advocate Diamond Open Access, but cultural and systemic obstacles hinder immediate change.