Does solo publication still make sense? Single-authored publications have been essential to scientific progress but are now facing extinction

TL;DR

Solo-authored scientific papers are becoming rare but historically important, and preserving them is valuable for scientific progress.

Contribution

The paper highlights the declining trend of solo-authored publications and argues for their continued relevance and protection.

Findings

Solo papers have declined significantly over the last century.

Solo papers have historically been influential and disruptive in science.

Preserving solo papers is seen as beneficial for scientific innovation.

Abstract

Solo papers (SPs) have experienced a sustained decline over the last century, which has turned them into a residual publication type. However, SPs have traditionally been highly influential and disruptive, and efforts to protect them from extinction are worthwhile.

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