This week, we read about the launch of the Open Access Journals Toolkit. We also read about a pilot scheme between PLOS and McMaster University Library that removes APCs for McMaster University Library authors publishing in PLOS journals, and we hear about TIB Open Publishing joining OASPA as a member. We watch a webinar about creating health literate information, and we catch up on the UN Open Science Conference that took place last week. Finally, we highlight the upcoming Researcher to Reader Conference and Rare Disease Day 2023.
To read:
OASPA and DOAJ launch Open Access Journals Toolkit via Research Consulting | 3-minute read
Scheduled to launch in the latter half of 2023, the Open Access Scholarly Publishing Association (OASPA) and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) have announced the development of the Open Access Journals Toolkit. This toolkit aims to provide a repository of resources to help support open access journals navigate the ever-changing open access landscape.
A pilot to abolish all APCs in PLOS journals via STM Publishing News | 2-minute read
PLOS are partnering with McMaster University Library to trial a 2-year pilot project where article processing charges (APCs) in all PLOS journals will be removed. The pilot will allow faculty, staff and students at McMaster University Library to publish research in any PLOS journal free from the financial burden of APCs between 1 February 2023 and 31 January 2025.
OASPA welcomes TIB Open Publishing as its newest member via OASPA | 5-minute read
Joining over 210 other members, TIB Open Publishing has become OASPA’s newest member! Incorporated within the Small Professional Publisher category, the German library-based publisher uses a diamond open access model and publishes journals and conference proceedings. In this blog post, OASPA interviews Xenia van Edig (Publication Platform Manager at TIB Open Publishing) about why the publisher has joined OASPA and what it hopes to gain from this membership.
To watch:
Creating health literate information to improve accessibility via NetworkPharma.tv | 45-minute watch
Join Sarah Griffiths (Communications Director in the Patient Engagement Team at Oxford PharmaGenesis) and Open Pharma’s very own Mark Elms as they join Peter Llewellyn on this whistle-stop tour of creating health literate information. In this webinar, they share top tips and best practice for creating health communications, as well as the importance of tailoring communications for your target audience. This includes considerations for creating the best content for neurodiverse audiences or those with colour blindness. You can also watch Peter’s other webinars on all things medical communications here!
To interact with:
Catch up on the United Nations Open Science Conference via United Nations
Celebrating the fact that 2023 has been named the year of open science, last week saw the 3rd United Nations Open Science Conference take place in New York City. With the theme Accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals, Democratizing the Record of Science, the conference brought together policy makers, intergovernmental organization representatives, researchers and many others to discuss open science. If you were unable to watch the conference live, you can catch up on all 3 days of the conference online (Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3). You may even notice an Open Pharma shout-out!
The 2023 Researcher to Reader Conference via Researcher to Reader
The Researcher to Reader Conference returns for its 8th annual event on 21–22 February 2023. The hybrid conference will take place both in person at BMA House in London and virtually. Focusing on how to improve dissemination of research to the reader, the conference will discuss a range of topics, such as content creation through research all the way to archiving and preservation of research. The conference programme features a broad range of workshops, panels, presentations, interviews and more. You can register for the conference here!
Rare Disease Day 2023 via Rare Disease Day
Despite each individual disease being rare, all together around 300 million people around the world live with a rare disease. Rare Disease Day this year will be on 28 February and will aim to raise awareness of these diseases, and you can get involved! With over 600 events across 106 countries, you can find one near you or even sign up to help. The website also provides a host of materials and resources to help spread the news!
Have you read the December 2022 issue of Medical Writing about Open Science and Open Pharma? Read the full issue here!
