AIP Publishing, the American Physical Society and IOP Publishing create new ‘Purpose-Led Publishing’ coalition

Three physics publishers promise to uphold industry standards that underpin high-quality, ethical scholarly communications

AIP Publishing, the American Physical Society, and IOP Publishing have joined forces to create Purpose-Led Publishing (PLP), a new coalition with a promise to always put purpose above profit. 

The three scholarly publishers are united by their not-for-profit status, with all the funds made from publishing going back into the research ecosystem. Their collective contributions support the physical science community globally through a range of initiatives, including educational training and mentorship programmes, and awards and grants — all geared toward making science accessible and inclusive to everyone.  

As members of PLP, the publishers have defined a set of industry standards that underpin high-quality, ethical scholarly communications. These form the bedrock of PLP’s promise to the scientific community:

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We will always:

Invest 100% of our funds back into science

• Publish only the content that genuinely adds to scientific knowledge
• Ensure our terms are reasonable
• Put research integrity ahead of profit
• Admit our errors and set them right

We will never:

• Relinquish our not-for-profit status
• Have shareholders for whom we put profit above purpose

Antonia Seymour, Chief Executive at IOP Publishing, said, “We are so important to the research ecosystem — everything we do is for public and scientific good. Purpose-Led Publishing is about our dedication to science, and to the scientific community. We’re proudly declaring that science is our only shareholder.”

Alix Vance, Chief Executive, AIP Publishing, said, “We’re here to benefit science and all those engaged in its advancement. Purpose-Led Publishing lets the research ecosystem know what we stand for as publishers: We authentically lead with purpose and we exist purely to give back to science.” 

Rachel Burley, Chief Publications Officer, American Physical Society, said, “Publishing with a Purpose-Led Publishing member not only advances knowledge through high quality, peer-reviewed journals, it also means researchers are investing in the community they are a part of.”

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