The Man Who Turned Science Into a Business
A Shift in the Industry
Scientific research has always been about sharing knowledge. For centuries, researchers published their findings in journals, helping the scientific community grow. But after World War II, things changed. Publishers started making big profits from these journals.
The Role of Robert Maxwell
One name that often comes up in this story is Robert Maxwell. He was a publishing magnate who founded Pergamon Press. Maxwell saw the potential in scientific publishing and turned it into a lucrative business. He sold Pergamon Press for a huge sum in 1991.
The Paywall System
But did Maxwell invent the paywall system for research papers? It's not clear. What is clear is that he played a big role in making scientific publishing a profitable industry. He sold access to journals to libraries and universities, a model that still exists today.
Pre-War Publishing
Before World War II, publishers didn't make much money from scientific journals. They saw them as a way to promote other books or as a loss leader. But Maxwell changed that. He made scientific publishing profitable in its own right.
The Current Movement
Today, the scientific community is trying to move away from this pay-to-read model. Many argue that research funded by taxpayers should be free to access. Some organizations are already making steps in this direction.
Maxwell's Legacy
Maxwell's impact on scientific publishing is undeniable. He saw an opportunity and turned it into a successful business. But now, the industry is changing again, and the future of scientific publishing remains uncertain.
