While I really like the colours (reminds me of Nord[0]), wouldn't it be better to use a serif font? Most researchers I know still read research papers on actual paper, where serif fonts seem to be preferred.
I'd agree on the use of serif, but not on the majority of researchers reading research papers on actual paper. Even on screen (and esp. on a good e-reader), I'm still more used to reading serif fonts in research papers.
If it's under eight pages I print it out so that it's easier on my eyes.
I used to, but in the last few years I don't think I've printed out anything.
I bought a cheap Brother black-and-white two-sided laser printer in college, along with a high-capacity toner cartridge. Use a high-quality stapler to put 3 staples along the left margin. I have printed many thousands of pages of articles. I can't recommend this highly enough.
I finally got my hands on some decent e-ink readers (the HD Kobos, when they still had a micro sdcard slot), and it's pretty pleasant to read papers (particularly in natural/external light) using KOreader[0], without having to deal with physically printing them out.