Chapter 1: The Unsung Hero of Science

Alexandra Elbakyan might not ring a bell for many, but in an alternate reality, her name would be as well-known as Einstein's equation, “E=mc².” In our world, however, her contributions to science are largely unrecognized. Despite her groundbreaking work, she faces severe legal repercussions and hefty fines for her innovative approach to making academic papers accessible. Technically, she is considered a criminal, having “stolen” around 87 million academic articles from various scientific journals.

She created a platform that allows users to download these papers for free, while also providing an option for Bitcoin donations. This act of "piracy," as some might term it, emerges from the exorbitant prices of academic papers, which can range from $30 to $50 for a single PDF. Researchers are not trying to purchase limited editions of popular novels; they are seeking vital information to advance their studies.

Delving into scientific research often requires sifting through countless academic papers. For instance, one study explored whether early humans could fashion tools from frozen feces, ultimately proving they could not. Yet, to conduct this research, the team referenced 26 other studies, accumulating costs exceeding $1,000 just to gather preliminary information. Why do researchers have to pay for each other's work? The answer is tied to a flawed publishing model that has become a barrier to scientific progress.

This model was devised by Robert Maxwell, who capitalized on the open sharing of knowledge among scientists in the 1960s. By establishing Pergamon Press, he introduced exclusive publishing contracts and skyrocketed subscription fees, thus creating a monopoly that continues to thrive today.

The current state of academic publishing resembles a never-ending game of Monopoly, where a few players monopolize the properties while others struggle to stay afloat. Journals do not fund research; taxpayers do, yet these publishers profit immensely from work that scientists provide for free. With institutions compelled to maintain subscriptions, journals exploit this dependency, raking in billions annually.

Alexandra Elbakyan's initiative, Sci-Hub, addresses these issues by redistributing scholarly work, effectively acting as a Robin Hood for science. While I do not advocate for piracy, it’s noteworthy that even esteemed institutions like Harvard have voiced concerns over the exorbitant costs of accessing research. If a prestigious university struggles, imagine the plight of institutions in developing nations.

Moreover, journals do not contribute to scientific advancement; they serve as unnecessary intermediaries. Elbakyan’s work is pivotal because Sci-Hub democratizes access to research, benefiting scientists regardless of their institutional affiliations. In February alone, over 40 million papers were downloaded via Sci-Hub from countries like India, China, and the US, leading to increased citations and broader dissemination of knowledge.

Though Sci-Hub may not offer the glamour of groundbreaking theories like the Theory of Relativity, its influence on the scientific community is profound. Alexandra Elbakyan deserves recognition for her contributions. It’s high time her name is celebrated for the impact she has made.

This video, "Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams," highlights the importance of pursuing dreams and making a difference in the world, much like Elbakyan's mission in science.

Chapter 2: The Publishing Paradox

The academic publishing industry is a multi-billion dollar enterprise, profiting from taxpayer-funded research. The journals act as gatekeepers, preventing access to knowledge that should be freely available.

In the video "Plagiarism and You(Tube)," the complexities of intellectual property and the importance of access to knowledge are discussed, echoing the challenges faced in the current academic landscape.

The scientific community must navigate these challenges, and platforms like Sci-Hub play a crucial role in reshaping access to knowledge.