Open-access ‘mega-journals’ are an emerging publishing trend which has the potential to reshape the way researchers share their findings, remoulding the academic publishing market and radically changing the nature and reach of scholarship. Some people have claimed that they represent the future of scholarly communication. This project investigated the role of mega-journals in the academic community and beyond, and was a collaboration between the University of Sheffield and Loughborough University.

Key objectives of the project were to contribute to debate, inform development and influence policy around the dissemination and publication of research outcomes. As well as contributing to scholarly knowledge, the project engaged directly with a range of stakeholders including publishers, policymakers, and librarians.