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LSE launches open access publishing platform

LSE Press will improve the publishing options available to social scientists
- Professor Julia Black
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LSE Library

LSE has unveiled a new open access publishing platform in partnership with Ubiquity Press. 

'LSE Press', managed through the LSE Library, will provide a platform for high quality, open access research in the social sciences; supporting the development of publications that are innovative in terms of format, content and reach.

The Press will be open to all academics and researchers - not just from LSE- who would like to start an open access journal, submit a book proposal or explore other styles of innovative publication.

 A key aim of the new platform is to open up access to high quality publications in the social sciences, reflecting the reputation of LSE as a global and trusted source of excellent research.

 Commenting on the announcement of LSE Press, Professor Julia Black, LSE Pro Director for Research, said:

 "We’re really excited to launch this new platform, which strengthens LSE’s position as a leader in high-quality, international, interdisciplinary and issue-oriented social science research.

“The LSE Press has arrived at an important time for academic publishing, as the open access policy landscape shifts to include books as well as journal articles. Support for our authors has been a priority for the LSE Library for a number of years, and LSE Press will improve the publishing options available to social scientists.”

In addition to supporting the set-up of the social science journals and other publications, funding can be made available to LSE researchers.

Also launched is LSE Press’s first open access publication, the Journal of Illicit Economies and Development. Edited by Dr John Collins, the peer-reviewed, electronic journal publishes research and policy commentary on the complex relationship between illicit markets and global development. The journal is cross-disciplinary, engaging with academics, practitioners, and decision-makers.

Commenting on the new journal, Dr John Collins, executive director of the International Drug Policy Unit at LSE and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Illicit Economies and Development, said:

"In recent years we have seen a growing international consensus that comprehensive evidence-based responses to the challenges posed by illicit markets will be a key facilitator in achieving the UN’s 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

“This new journal, the first of its kind globally, will go a long way towards disseminating the complex research and policy evaluation needed for policy makers and civil society going forward.”

Behind the article

LSE Press will be managed by an advisory board consisting of representatives from across LSE alongside external publishing professionals. The board will provide guidance on publications and the future direction of the Press.

Ubiquity Press is an open access publisher of peer-reviewed academic journals, books and data. They aim to operate a highly cost-efficient model that makes quality open access publishing affordable for everyone. Ubiquity also make their platform available to the Ubiquity Partner Network, providing the infrastructure and services to enable university and society presses to run sustainably and successfully.