# 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.

## Key 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.