Rob Johnson is the Managing Director of Research Consulting, a mission-driven business that works to improve the effectiveness and impact of research and scholarly communication.

In this episode of our podcast, Rob and Jo discuss various issues related to the publishing industry, including the role of big publishers, the problems with the current system of research assessment and impact factors, and the potential for alternative models like diamond open access. They also touch on the importance of maintaining research integrity and the need for a diverse range of solutions to address the challenges facing the industry.

Listen here:

Rob began his career as a consultant with KPMG, the international professional services firm, and spent four years as Head of Research Operations at the University of Nottingham, UK. Since founding Research Consulting in 2013 he has led more than 150 projects in the field of research and scholarly communication, advising globally-leading universities, research funders, intergovernmental bodies, publishers and software suppliers. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and holds an MSc in Higher Education Management from Loughborough University, UK.

Website: research-consulting.com 
Twitter: @rschrobUK
ORCID: 0000-0001-7126-2954

A lot of what I think we’re seeing at present are unintended consequences of the transition to OA – concern over authors being unable to publish if they can’t afford the fees, and concern that trust in publishing is being eroded as publishers are incentivized to chase volume under the APC model.

Rob Johnson

Which researcher – dead or alive – do you find inspiring? Prof Stephen Pinfield at the University of Sheffield

What is your favorite animal and why? Cats - independent and low maintenance!

Name your (current) favorite song and interpret/group. We're sending out a message (Young Voices) as my daughter keeps singing it: youngvoices.co.uk/ 

What is your favorite dish/meal? Pad Thai

References