Downsizing will implement a “more agile and efficient model” for open-access publishing, says company
Open-access publisher Frontiers intends to cut 600 jobs across operations in 23 countries, it has announced.
This will reduce the 2,000-person workforce by 30 per cent to 1,400, the company said on 10 January.
It said in a post on its website that the aim is to make Frontiers “a leaner and more agile organisation, with enhanced financial resilience amidst market shifts”.
According to the company, the publishing market has undergone a “downturn” since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Frontiers, which is headquartered in Switzerland and has offices in China, Spain and the UK, said the move will allow it to “preserve significant sponsorship of academic communities”, including its inclusivity programme for subsidising fees charged to authors for publishing in its journals.
‘Difficult decision’
“I am sad we need to let go of so many talented colleagues and I am very grateful for their invaluable contributions to making science open. It has been the most difficult decision in Frontiers’ history,” said chief executive Kamila Markram.
“But we need to shape a Frontiers primed for the future. This signifies a more agile and efficient model for open-access publishing to serve the global community of researchers, institutions and funders.”
The publisher said the staff cuts would also allow it to continue with its advocacy for open science on global challenges.