Debate: Should We Publish in Academic Journals?

Many researchers are questioning whether it still meets the demands of an open and dynamic science. At the same time, new, community-driven models are emerging that open up alternative avenues for scientific exchange.

In this session, two experts with opposing viewpoints will meet in an Oxford-style debate to discuss the future of scientific publishing.



Bernd Pulverer, Head of Scientific Publishing at EMBO Press, argues for the enduring value of the traditional system. EMBO Press is a renowned, non-profit publisher driven by the scientific community and supported by an institution.



Alexandra Freeman, founder of the Octopus platform, advocates a vision of a radically new, open form of scientific communication that leaves traditional journal models behind.


Both speakers will present how their respective approaches meet today's expectations for scientific publishing—openness, fairness, transparency, and quality. The audience is actively involved: They vote on the central issue before and after the debate, thus helping to shape the discussion.


The event will be moderated by Jessica Rohmann, an epidemiologist and committed advocate for transparent and rigorous research practices.


Whether you are involved in scientific publishing yourself or are simply curious about the mechanisms that govern access to research, this interactive debate offers a fascinating insight into a system that decisively shapes which knowledge becomes visible, gains trust, and ultimately influences science, policy, and innovation.