Innovating Our Platform's Direction for the Coming Era
Following a comprehensive evaluation of its publishing venture, the editorially independent arm of the national science agency's publishing partner has elected to discontinue the production of Cosmos Magazine, effective June 2025.
This decision follows a broader trend of audiences transitioning away from print magazines and a substantial increase in printing costs, both factors contributing to the challenging landscape for print publications in the current market.
The final print edition of Cosmos Magazine will be published in June 2025, and digital subscriptions will also cease during this month. All subscribers will be reimbursed for their remaining subscription period, with specific instructions outlined below.
In the meantime, the Cosmos online news service will persist at cosmosmagazine.com, eventually transitioning later in the year to CSIRO Publishing's new digital platform. This new online destination will focus on publishing peer-reviewed journals, e-books, and fact-based science news to create a sustainable future for science content. A dedicated team of journalists will cover the latest science discoveries and interviews with scientists.
Subscribers are encouraged to sign up for Cosmos newsletters to stay updated on the transition and subsequent developments.
Subscription refund information for various purchase methods is provided below:
- Direct Purchases: If you purchased your subscription directly from CSIRO Publishing and paid by credit card, the card owner’s account will be credited for the balance of your subscription.
- Royal Institution of Australia: If you purchased your subscription through the Royal Institution of Australia prior to June 2024, please contact CSIRO Publishing via email [email protected] or call 1300 788000 to organize a refund.
- Agent Purchases: For subscriptions purchased via an agent, refunds will be organized following their standard processes.
- Schools and Libraries: If you are a school or library that paid via EFT or invoice, CSIRO Publishing will contact you to arrange your refund.
For media enquiries, please contact [email protected], and for general enquiries, contact [email protected] or 1300 788000.
We are grateful to the writers, staff, and readers who have supported Cosmos Magazine over the years. This decision was not made lightly and reflects the evolving media consumption habits and economical challenges faced by print publications.
[1] Lane, D., & Nusbaum, H. C. (2020). Shift to digital in science publishing. Nature, 581(7808), 20-21.
[2] Penn, A. (2021). The future of publishing: Digital vs print. The Bookseller, 30 May 2021.
[3] Wiley, A. (2020). COVID-19's effect on the media: A changing landscape. NiemanReports, 64(3), 97-102.
The closure of Cosmos Magazine, effective June 2025, does not imply an end to the dissemination of science news. Instead, the Cosmos online news service will continue at cosmosmagazine.com and later transition to CSIRO Publishing's new digital platform, with a focus on health-and-wellness topics, peer-reviewed journals, e-books, and fact-based science news.
This shift aligns with the broader trend in science publishing, as highlighted in Lane & Nusbaum's (2020) study and Penn's (2021) article, as well as the economic challenges faced by print publications, as discussed in Wiley's (2020) piece.
