The future of the quality assurance system: its impact on the social and professional recognition of scientists in the era of electronic publishing

Abstract

Scientific communication is the basis of the open exchange of knowledge worldwide. The system of scientific communication is also closely related to the reward system of scientists; more specifically, to the process of social and professional recognition. A fundamental element in these intertwined worlds of communication and reward is the publication of research results. In particular, the scientific journal here plays a central role. It embodies the main functions of scientific communication, with quality control as a major element. In this presentation, we discuss how electronic publishing developments and new information technology in general will affect these main functions of scientific communication, the differences one may expect between scientific fields and the consequences for the accessibility of new knowledge. We conclude that most changes primarily will be technological, but not conceptual. Publication via journals or journal-like media of high reputation is, in most fields of science, crucial to receive the most visible professional recognition. That will remain so in the ‘electronic era’.