I’m now a few weeks into my new job as CEO of Canadian Science Publishing (CSP). I’ve just moved from the UK to live in Ottawa, and I’m now thoroughly enjoying exploring all things Canadian.
I’ve also been wondering if I’m now the CEO of an international publishing company based in Canada, or a so-called regional publisher. Although Canadian Science Publishing is based in Canada, all our employees are in Canada, and over half of our journals are called the “Canadian Journal of…; about 55% of the articles we publish are from other countries (84% of manuscript submissions are from outside Canada); over 30% of the Editors and their editorial teams are based internationally; and about 70% of our peer reviewers are not Canadian.
Does this make us “international” rather than “regional”? And if we are international, why don’t we drop the “Canadian” from our company name or our journal titles?
The company, when originally established in 1929, was part of Canada’s National Research Council (the largest R&D performing organization of the federal government) and it was started to publish the work of NRC and other Canadian researchers. However, as science became an increasingly international endeavour, the journals developed to publish increasing numbers of articles from international authors.
As a foreigner, but one involved in science publishing for many years, I have always known Canadian research to be of a very high standard in terms of research integrity, novelty, impact, and innovation. Journal editors globally generally welcome Canadian articles as they know they represent good solid science. Canada is known for very strong research in geosciences, engineering, biosciences, medicine, and technology, and for leading the world in fisheries, forestry, and geological research, as well as making a huge contribution to solving the World’s biggest challenges of climate change, global health, and food security.
I’ve been discussing this “regional” issue with many of our journals’ Editors. Some are concerned that the word “Canadian” might put off international authors. However, many also recognize the strong brand of quality conveyed by the word “Canadian”. The Editors are also proud of the origins of their journals and many are keen to keep their Canadian foundations, and even strengthen their Canadian connections by working more closely with affiliated Canadian societies.
There are plenty of examples of other previously regional but now international journals building on the brand of the strength of research from that region: New England Journal of Medicine; Journal of the American Chemical Society; British Journal of Psychiatry; Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health; Journal of the Physical Society of Japan.
We also enjoy other opportunities arising from being Canadian. Canadian Science Publishing, through our strong connections with Canadian universities, is uniquely positioned to support and highlight the research of and about Indigenous people, ensuring that this happens with the guidance and approval of Indigenous people themselves. Our experience with North American Indigenous research could enable us to provide similar support for Indigenous people of other countries. We are proud to champion Indigenous approaches to knowledge and attribution (see “Community Based Indigenous Knowledge”). Canadian Science Publishing is pleased to honour Indigenous knowledge by publishing a perspective article with M’sɨt No’kmaq as lead author (M’sɨt No’kmaq et al. (2021)) as well as a special collection of articles titled “Conservation in Canada: Identifying and Overcoming Barriers”, which engaged academics (including students), environmental conservation organizations, and Indigenous communities in dialogues and explorations of the politics of wildlife conservation.
Being Canadian, also means championing francophone scientists. The French language is part of the Canadian identity and being Canadian means so much more than just facilitating publishing for those whose first language is French. Although, the international language of science is undoubtedly English, publishing at least some of our content in French means we are Canadian.
Finally, Canadian science research funders are now, like funders in many parts of the world, pushing for the research articles and data from the work they fund to be made freely available through Open Access. Might being the largest not-for-profit Canadian science publisher put us in a favourable position to receive financial support from Canadian funders and libraries to enable Canadian researchers to publish Open Access?
CSP will definitely continue to provide excellent publishing services for both international and Canadian researchers. The debate about whether we remain Canadian in name will continue. What is your opinion? Tweet us @cdnsciencepub to continue the discussion!
