Introducing Upstream by Integra: Conversations Shaping the Future of Scholarly Publishing

At a time when scholarly publishing is undergoing deep structural transformation, thoughtful industry conversations matter more than ever.

Today, we are excited to announce the launch of Upstream by Integra — a new podcast series from Integra focused on the ideas, challenges, technologies, and leadership shaping the future of scholarly and educational publishing.

The podcast brings together senior leaders, innovators, and practitioners from across the publishing ecosystem for reflective, in-depth discussions on the issues that matter most to publishing professionals working in editorial, peer review, research integrity, workflow operations, technology, and strategy.

One of the core motivations behind launching Upstream by Integra is a recognition that publishing today is evolving in ways that go far beyond incremental operational change.

Editorial workflows are increasingly becoming infrastructure. Research integrity is moving to the center of conversations around trust. And AI is rapidly reshaping how publishing organizations think about scale, efficiency, quality, and human judgment.

At the same time, the future of scholarly communication is being shaped by a complex mix of forces — some within the industry’s control, and many beyond it. Through this podcast, Integra aims to create a space for meaningful dialogue and deeper reflection on where the industry is headed and how organizations are adapting to change.

What to Expect from Upstream by Integra

Each episode will feature candid conversations with leaders across scholarly and education publishing, exploring topics such as:

• AI and the future of publishing workflows
• Research integrity and trust infrastructure
• Peer review transformation
• Editorial operations and workflow modernization
• Industry collaboration and governance
• Open research and publishing ecosystems
• The evolving role of human expertise in an AI-enabled environment

The tone of the podcast is intentionally conversational and reflective — designed not as promotional interviews, but as thoughtful exchanges between people deeply engaged in the realities of publishing today.

Episode 1 Preview: A Conversation with Dawn Melley

We are especially honored that the inaugural episode of Upstream by Integra features IEEE leader Dawn Melley, who serves as Senior Director, Publishing Operations at IEEE and also Chair of the Board at CHORUS.

As the world’s largest technical professional society, IEEE has played a foundational role in engineering, computing, technology, standards, and scientific advancement for decades. Its publishing operation spans more than 200 periodicals and supports one of the most recognized publishing brands in the global research ecosystem.

In this inaugural conversation, Dawn shares perspectives on:

• How publishing infrastructure is evolving
• IEEE’s thinking behind connected workflow initiatives such as the IEEE Publishing Portal
• The intersection of AI, scale, research integrity, and human judgment
• The future of peer review and volunteer editorial communities
• Why ecosystem-wide collaboration is becoming increasingly important

The discussion also explores broader industry questions around stewardship, trust, governance, and what meaningful progress in scholarly publishing could look like over the next five years.

Without revealing too much before launch, listeners can expect a grounded and insightful discussion from someone who has witnessed — and helped shape — multiple eras of transformation within scholarly publishing.

Coming Soon

Podcast Page
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
YouTube

For questions, feedback, guest suggestions, or collaboration inquiries, please contact:

📩 connect@integra.co.in

We look forward to welcoming you to Upstream by Integra and to building a space for thoughtful conversations about the future of publishing.