Registration is open for SSP’s 2026 Journals Academy, a three-part virtual training program taking place on December 1, 8, and 15, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm ET. Now in its fourth year, the Academy brings together scholarly publishing professionals to explore the fundamentals of journal publishing, examine emerging challenges, and broaden their understanding of the industry.
Developed by SSP’s Training Committee, the Journals Academy offers an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals representing society and commercial publishers, as well as publishing service providers. More than 150 individuals have participated in previous Academies, representing a variety of organizations and career stages.
While the program is particularly valuable for early- to mid-career professionals seeking to expand their knowledge beyond their day-to-day responsibilities, it also welcomes experienced professionals interested in refreshing their understanding of publishing operations and exploring how the industry is evolving.
What Can Participants Expect?
The Journals Academy is designed to help participants see how the many functions of scholarly publishing fit together. Understanding the relationships among editorial operations, production, finances, marketing, technology, and research integrity can help professionals collaborate more effectively across departments, approach challenges from new perspectives, and identify opportunities for professional growth.
Across three sessions, participants will explore the business and operational foundations of journal publishing alongside some of the most consequential issues shaping its future.
December 1: The Business of Scholarly Publishing
The Academy begins by examining journal business models and the financial considerations that influence publishing organizations. Participants will explore how different models operate, how journals add value to their organizations, and why understanding the financial side of publishing matters regardless of one’s professional role.
December 8: Key Components of Scholarly Publishing
The second session focuses on the people, processes, and practices that move scholarly content from submission to publication and into readers’ hands. Topics include editorial and production workflows, journal marketing, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). Participants will gain insight into how these functions intersect and contribute to effective publishing operations.
December 15: A Deeper Dive into Scholarly Publishing
The final session examines how data informs publishing decisions and explores several issues reshaping the scholarly communications landscape. Discussions will address research integrity, reproducibility, artificial intelligence (AI), AI-related ethics and licensing considerations, and AI’s evolving role in peer review. These conversations will connect foundational publishing knowledge with the questions and challenges organizations are navigating today.
Learning from—and Connecting with—Peers
Beyond the curriculum, the Journals Academy provides opportunities to connect with colleagues working across the scholarly publishing ecosystem. Sessions will combine live and prerecorded presentations, with opportunities for questions, discussion, and networking.
New for 2026, participants will also have access to a dedicated group on SSP’s C3 community platform, creating an additional space to exchange resources, continue conversations, and build professional connections.
Participants are encouraged to attend all three sessions live to take full advantage of these opportunities. Recordings will also be available to registered attendees for a limited time following the Academy.
After completing the program, attendees will receive a digital badge recognizing their participation, which they can share with professional networks and display on LinkedIn.
Register for the 2026 Journals Academy
The 2026 Journals Academy takes place virtually on December 1, 8, and 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET.
Whether you’re building a foundation in scholarly publishing, looking to understand functions beyond your own, or seeking new perspectives on the challenges facing our community, the Journals Academy offers a structured opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and make connections. View the full agenda and register now!
