Rethinking Academic Publishing: A Call for Inclusive, Transparent, and Sustainable Reforms

The current academic publishing system is increasingly defined by exclusionary gatekeeping, prestige-driven metrics, and restricted access, all of which undermine equity, innovation, and scholarly integrity. This position paper critiques these systemic issues and proposes a reform framework grounded in transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability. Key recommendations include mentorship-centered editorial models, post-publication peer review, diversified evaluation criteria, and the development of community-led open access platforms. The paper also anticipates common concerns, such as fears of declining quality and resistance from entrenched stakeholders, and offers counterarguments grounded in evidence and practice. The paper concludes with a call to action for researchers, editors, academic institutions, funding agencies, and policymakers to collaboratively transform the publishing landscape, ensuring that the production and dissemination of knowledge remains a public good.