Global Challenges in Research: Q&A with our Deputy Provost Research on political, financial and AI interference and ways forward
This session explores the growing global disruption in research, highlighting how political interference, diminishing academic freedom, and funding cuts are undermining scholarly integrity, autonomy and collaboration. The emergence of AI in scholarly publishing adds another layer of complexity, raising concerns about the reliability and authenticity of scholarly research outputs. In Australia, these pressures coincide with the re-negotiation of read-and-publish agreements and place publishers in a precarious position as they balance commercial interests with open access demands. Academic libraries, already under budget strain, face increased pressure to support equitable access to research while navigating unsustainable price increases and unreasonable researcher licensing restrictions. We discuss a proactive path forward where academic libraries and consortia can transform read and publish agreements to our greater benefit, champion alternative open access models and help us reclaim control over scholarly communication to ensure sustainable, transparent access to reliable scholarly research.
University Librarian Dr Sarah Jansen will interview Deputy Provost Research Professor Michael Kimlin about these issues, followed with a 20 min open Q&A session. Lunch will be provided after the event (from 12pm onwards) to enable networking amongst attendees.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation!
Audience members will learn:
• Global disruption for research: political interference, academic freedom, and funding cuts.
• Consequences for publishers at this time of re-negotiation of read-and-publish agreements in Australia.
• Consequences for academic libraries.
• AI emerging in scholarly publishing and impact on reliability of scholarly communications.
• How academic libraries and consortia groups can help us fight back through alternative open access models.
Event Details
Date: 17 October 2025
Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Robina campus - venue TBC
The event is open to all Bond research academics, research affiliates, visiting researchers, HDR students, research administrators, and librarians.
Lunch will be provided.
Registration will open in August.