This week, we learn how a collaborative group co-created tools for meaningful PPIE in RWDE research and examine the role of an AI-powered toolkit in a publisher’s workflow. We consider an argument against using the IMRaD format for writing in social sciences and learn about Wiley’s OA publishing discounts in Latin America. We also read a review of OASPA’s strategic plan and highlight a call to action to defend research against censorship amid policy changes in the USA. We finally signpost an upcoming webinar discussing context in research assessment reform, and we share a podcast on connecting research and policy.
To read:
Tools for meaningful PPIE in RWDE via BMJ Open | 23-minute read
“… we are sharing learnings to promote consistent approaches and impactful PPIE in RWDE research … ,” states this collaborative group of authors from Pfizer, the UK National Institute Centre for Ageing and Voice, a community of patients and carers at Newcastle University. In this study, four themes were identified for meaningful PPIE (real-world data and evidence) in RWDE (patient and public involvement and engagement) research: equality, diversity and inclusion; feeling valued; ownership and understanding; and evaluating impact. The authors developed educational videos, an infographic and a PPIE framework, to support future RWDE research. A plain language summary of this article is also available.
AI-powered editorial checks in publishing via Research Information | 1-minute read
eLife, an independent non-profit publisher, has partnered with Cactus Communications to incorporate an AI (artificial intelligence)-powered toolkit for additional checks of submissions into their existing workflow. Paperpal Preflight for Editorial Desk can perform quality and compliance checks of manuscripts prior to peer review, with oversight from experts to ensure a robust evaluation process. Read what excites each partner about this technological update in this brief article.
Rethinking IMRaD for better academic writing via LSE | 7-minute read
Does the IMRaD (Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion) format of academic writing deter creativity in the social sciences? Øyunn Syrstad Høydal’s (Researcher at the Work Research Institute [AFI]) argues that despite the consistency and efficiency enabled by the IMRaD format, it “rocks the fundamental ambition of the social sciences, seeking to understand the complexity of society and human life.” Read an example she shares on this topic and factors to consider for qualitative research.
Wiley’s framework for OA publishing in Latin America via STM Publishing News | 1-minute read
Wiley has introduced a pilot pricing programme for open access (OA) publishing with discounts for authors of research based in Latin America, including Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. “… we hope that this pilot will help us understand whether purchasing power parity helps advance a sustainable and fair approach,” shared Kathryn Sharples (Group Vice President of Publishing Strategy and Policy, Wiley). Read how the discounts are applied and what the pilot’s anticipated timeline is here.
Grassroots-level resistance to #DefendResearch via The Scholarly Kitchen | 7-minute read
Read Alice Meadows’ (Co-founder of MoreBrains Cooperative) call to action with this Declaration to Defend Research Against US Government Censorship following the recent changes to policies for scholarly communication. In an earlier digest, we read about how scientists are collaborating to preserve datasets, and this declaration now calls on members of scholarly communication ecosystems worldwide to “publicly condemn and resist the censorship of academic research” by committing to four recommended actions. Read more about them here.
Progress and vision: OASPA’s strategic plan via OASPA | 7-minute read
In this article, the Open Access Scholarly Publishing Association (OASPA) reflects on its year of progress since establishing a new strategic plan at the beginning of 2024 and discusses future plans. OASPA’s vision for the future of OA focuses on equitable participation, diverse publishing options and infrastructures, and reliable, transparent behaviours and practices. Read more about OASPA’s recommendations to increase equity in OA publishing and check out their free webinars on various topics relating to OA.
To engage with:
Examining the importance of context in research assessment reform via GraspOS
How much does context matter for research assessment reform? Join presenters Clifford Tatum (Researcher at GraspOS at the Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University), and Laura Himanen (Project Manager at CSC – IT Centre for Science), as they discuss the importance of context in assessment reform and its broader implications with panellists Karen Stroobants (Vice Chair of The Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment), Gareth O’Neill (Principal Consultant at Technopolis Group), James Morris (Senior Policy Officer at Science Europe), Sarah de Rijcke (Dean of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences at Leiden University) on Wednesday 12 March. Register here for this webinar which is part of a bimonthly meeting series on how “research assessment considers Open Science.”
To listen to:
Connecting research and policy via Jisc | 36-minute listen
In this podcast, James Canton (Deputy Director for Public Policy and Engagement at the Economic and Social Research Council), Nicola Buckley (Director of Fellowships and Networks at the Centre for Science and Policy, University of Cambridge) and host Tim Fellows (Product Manager at Jisc) discuss areas of research interest as a tool to shape policies, and how “open research and innovative platforms like Octopus are reshaping the way research informs policy and drives societal impact.”
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