A&A community survey reveals strong support for quality, fairness and human oversight in scientific publishing
- Details
- Published on 29 June 2026
Paris, France, 29 June 2026. Nearly 3,000 astronomers from 69 countries responded to the A&A community survey on trends and challenges in scientific publishing. The survey, conducted in 2025, explored community attitudes towards journal selection, peer review, Open Access, research assessment and artificial intelligence. Its findings suggest that researchers value credibility over speed, fairness over profit, and human judgement over automation.
The findings have recently been published in Astronomy & Astrophysics (A&A) in a new editorial, A&A community survey on the future of scientific publishing, authored by members of the A&A Board of Directors, the journal’s editorial leadership team, and EDP Sciences.
Quality remains the most important factor
WWhen choosing where to publish, respondents identified journal quality and reputation as the most important considerations, ahead of publication costs, impact metrics and speed of publication.
Researchers stressed the importance of rigorous peer review, strong editorial standards and scientific credibility. The results suggest that trust in the publishing process remains the most important factor influencing publication decisions.
Peer review valued, and quality matters more than speed
Respondents expressed strong support for peer review while raising concerns about reviewer expertise, fairness and the quality of feedback provided to authors.
While faster publication remains desirable, the survey found that researchers are generally willing to accept longer review times if this results in more thorough, constructive and expert evaluation of their papers.
Strong support for Open Access, but concerns over APCs
The survey revealed broad support for Open Access as a principle, alongside significant concerns about the widespread use of article processing charges (APCs).
Many respondents reported that high APCs had prevented them from publishing in their preferred journals. Researchers expressed a preference for collective funding approaches, including governmental support and institutional agreements, rather than author-pays models.
These findings are especially relevant for A&A, which publishes Open Access through the Subscribe to Open (S2O) model, offering an alternative to APC-funded publishing.
AI welcomed as a tool, not a decision-maker
Researchers generally supported the use of AI to assist with administrative tasks, language editing and aspects of editorial workflows, provided that appropriate human oversight is maintained.
However, respondents expressed clear opposition to AI replacing human decision-making in peer review or editorial evaluation. Transparency in journals' use of AI was identified as a key requirement.
The survey also found support among authors for using AI for language assistance and technical tasks, while expressing concerns about the generation of scientific content without appropriate human validation and accountability.
Trust remains central
A common thread running through the survey was the importance researchers place on trust in the scientific record.
The authors conclude that the results will help inform future discussions and policy development at A&A, particularly regarding Open Access, peer review and the use of AI in scholarly publishing.
João Alves, Letters Editor-in-Chief of A&A and lead author of the study, said:
TThe survey points to a clear vision for A&A and for astronomy publishing, one that is rigorous, fair, open, and grounded in human judgement. In a time of rapid change, the results remind us that the foundation of scholarly publishing is not technology but trust, and that trust must be earned, maintained, and shared by the entire community."
The survey findings will help inform future discussions within A&A and guide the journal’s ongoing work on Open Access, peer review and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Read the full article: A&A community survey on the future of scientific publishing: Credibility over speed, fairness over profit, human judgment over automation.
For more information, please contact:
João Alves – Lead author, A&A Letters Editor-in-Chief
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Charlotte Van Rooyen
Director of Marketing & Communications – EDP Sciences
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About Astronomy & Astrophysics
Astronomy & Astrophysics is a peer-reviewed community journal that publishes original research in astronomy and astrophysics. The journal is an international consortium governed by a Board of Directors that sets the policies for A&A, including general guidelines for publishing, the selection of Editors, the various financial aspects, as well as membership of new countries.
The Editors are astronomers who are independent of any government or administrative body associated with the journal. A&A promotes diversity and equity in science and embraces open, inclusive, and fair practices that reflect the culture and values of the worldwide community of astronomers. Educational initiatives sponsored by A&A and EDP Sciences, such as the Science Writing for Young Astronomers (SWYA) workshops, educate and develop early-career astronomers.
About EDP Sciences
EDP Sciences is an international scientific publisher founded in 1920 by learned societies and still closely connected to the communities it serves. Working in partnership with researchers, editors, societies and libraries, it publishes journals, books and conference proceedings across a wide range of scientific disciplines.
Its publishing approach is shaped by the needs of the research community, with a focus on supporting open access in ways that remain equitable and sustainable.