LSE Press Symposium: What’s in Store for Social Sciences Publishing?

• August 23, 2024

Monday, 21 October 2024

3.00 pm to 7.00 pm GMT+1
LSE Library, United Kingdom

Social sciences publishing is at a transformative crossroads in the digital age. From the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to shifting funding policies, the landscape is evolving rapidly. What does this mean for the future of publishing in the social sciences?

To address these questions, LSE Press is hosting a free and public symposium titled “What’s in store for social sciences publishing?”. This event, part of #OAWeek, will take place at the London School of Economics’ (LSE) iconic library. The symposium is designed for prospective authors, early career researchers, and those interested in the growing Open Access (OA) movement in academic publishing.

About LSE Press

Founded in 2018, LSE Press is LSE’s Open Access publishing platform, dedicated to the dissemination of high-quality research across the social sciences. With a commitment to equity in academic research, LSE Press operates under the guiding principle that research and teaching resources should be free to read and widely accessible. Their collection of books and journals is available for free download on their website, helping to democratize access to knowledge.

As an academic publisher embedded within a university, LSE Press is uniquely positioned to understand the challenges facing scholars in the digital age. This symposium is part of their effort to bridge the gap between early career researchers and the complexities of academic publishing, particularly in the evolving Open Access landscape.

Symposium Highlights

The event will feature a rich program of discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering connections between researchers and publishing professionals. Key topics will include social sciences publishing processes, Open Access innovations, and practical advice for prospective authors.

Event Program

• 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
  Arrival and Registration
• 3:30 pm – 3:40 pm
  Welcome and Introductions
  Michael Bruter, Incoming Associate Vice-President and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, will welcome attendees on behalf of Susana Mourato, Vice-President and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research.
• 3:40 pm – 4:10 pm
  Keynote
  The symposium’s keynote speaker is Professor Philippe Sands, a distinguished figure in international law and human rights. His talk will set the tone for the day, exploring the intersections of law, social sciences, and publishing.
• 4:10 pm – 4:55 pm
  The Author’s View: 5-Minute Insights from LSE Press Authors
  This segment will feature short insights from a diverse group of LSE Press authors, followed by a Q&A session.
  • Chair: Professor Martin Lodge
  • Speakers: J. McKenzie Alexander, David Luke, Irene Buccelli, Sarmistha Pal, Naila Kabeer, and Sandy Pepper
• 4:55 pm – 5:05 pm
  Break
• 5:05 pm – 6:05 pm
  The Publisher’s View: Demystifying Book Publishing
  This panel discussion will offer insights into the intricacies of book publishing from the perspective of publishers and academics.
  • Chair: Professor Dame Sarah Worthington (LSE Press)
  • Speakers: Lou Peck (The International Bunch), Professor Mathijs Pelkmans (LSE Anthropology), and Dr. Catherine Souch (Royal Geographical Society)
• 6:05 pm – 6:10 pm
  Closing Remarks by Niamh Tumelty – LSE Library
• 6:10 pm – 7:00 pm
  Networking Reception
  The event will conclude with a networking reception, providing a space for attendees to connect with peers, authors, and publishing professionals.

LSE Library: An Iconic Venue

The symposium will be hosted at the LSE Library, also known as the British Library of Political and Economic Science. Established in 1896, just a year after LSE itself, the library has long been a hub of intellectual activity, inspiring generations of researchers, writers, and artists across many disciplines. The library’s rich physical and digital collections, including the Women’s Library and Hall-Carpenter Archives, make it a fitting venue for this event, embodying the tradition of academic excellence and public engagement that LSE represents.

This symposium offers a rare opportunity for those interested in social sciences publishing to learn from industry leaders, engage in insightful discussions, and explore the future of academic publishing in an ever-changing digital world.

This event is free and open to all.

LSE Library: The British Library of Political and Economic Science10 Portugal Street London WC2A 2HD United Kingdom

Register here.