Turmoil at the Journal of Human Evolution
In a dramatic turn of events, the editorial board of the prestigious Journal of Human Evolution (JHE) has collectively resigned, leaving only one member remaining. This decision comes amidst growing dissent over the use of AI in production processes, escalating author fees, and perceived threats to editorial autonomy. The mass resignation marks the 20th such protest within the scientific publishing sector in the last two years, highlighting a brewing crisis in the industry.
Key Reasons Behind the Resignation
The editorial team, which has diligently shaped JHE’s reputation as a leading paleoanthropological journal for nearly 40 years, cited several grievances in their resignation statement. Among these were changes undermining editorial independence, including the removal of support for critical roles such as copy editors. Elsevier, the publishing giant behind JHE, reportedly instructed editors not to focus on aspects like grammar, readability, or nomenclature accuracy — tasks traditionally seen as essential to maintaining scholarly quality.
Moreover, Elsevier initiated a restructuring of the editorial board, slashing the number of associate editors by more than 50%. This move, according to the resigning team, would force editors to handle a significantly higher volume of papers, many outside their areas of expertise, thereby compromising the quality of peer review.
The Role of AI in the Crisis
One of the most contentious issues was the unannounced integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into JHE’s production processes in 2023. This resulted in numerous errors, such as improper formatting and altered meanings in papers that had already been approved. The editors described the situation as “highly embarrassing” and noted that resolving these issues often required months of additional effort. Despite their concerns, Elsevier reportedly continued to use AI without transparency, leaving both editors and authors frustrated.
Exorbitant Author Fees Add Fuel to the Fire
Another significant point of contention was the steep author processing fees charged by JHE, which exceeded those of many comparable journals. The resigning editors argued that such costs run counter to the journal’s stated commitment to inclusivity, as they pose a significant barrier for researchers from underfunded institutions.
A Breaking Point: Reshaping Editorial Leadership
The tipping point came in November, when co-editors Mark Grabowski and Andrea Taylor were informed that Elsevier would be ending the dual-editor leadership model, a system that had been in place since 1986. The alternative offered was a drastic 50% reduction in compensation for the editors, a move that underscored the growing disconnect between the editorial team and the publisher.
Concerns for the Future of AI in Science Publishing
This incident is emblematic of broader concerns about the role of AI in scientific publishing. While AI has the potential to enhance efficiency, its misuse can undermine trust in published research. Earlier instances, such as a paper featuring an AI-generated figure of a rat with anatomically incorrect features, have only served to deepen skepticism among scientists.
For a deeper dive into the challenges posed by AI misuse across industries, check out our related article, Combating AI-Driven Search Spam: Elevating Genuine Human Perspectives.
Looking Ahead: Lessons and Solutions
Amid the fallout, there is a growing call within the academic community to establish independent, nonprofit journals that adhere to open-access principles while maintaining high editorial standards. This approach has already been adopted by the former editors of journals like Critical Public Health and NeuroImage, who resigned last year under similar circumstances.
As the scientific publishing landscape evolves, the debate over AI’s role and the ethical responsibilities of publishers like Elsevier will undoubtedly continue. Transparency, collaboration, and a renewed focus on quality will be critical to restoring trust in the system.
