This week, we catch up on the Open Pharma talk shows, read about BMJ’s first US read-and-publish agreement, look at the outcomes of a research article on factors associated with article processing charges in oncology journals, and read about a report on progress in UK clinical trial transparency. Finally, we share news that registration is open for the 2023 EMWA Spring Conference in Prague.
To watch:
Open Pharma talk shows available on YouTube: listen, understand … act
Our February 2023 talk shows on The future of pharma research communications brought together some of the brightest minds working in scientific publishing, patient advocacy and health policy today. Facilitated by Richard Smith (Open Pharma Chair and former BMJ Editor), the talk shows built on our recent satellite symposium by creating a space to continue big-picture conversations about collaborative efforts to increase trust in pharmaceutical research. If you missed the talk shows, you can read our summary blog or watch recordings of both sessions on the Open Pharma YouTube channel: Part 1: What does the world want from Pharma research communications?; Part 2: Is the current system of publication of pharma research fit for purpose?.
To read:
BMJ signs first read-and-publish agreement in the USA via STM Publishing | 3-minute read
This week, BMJ announced a read-and-publish agreement with Michigan State University (MSU) Libraries, the first of its kind in the USA for the publisher. Designed to support institutions’ transition to open access via a ‘pay-to-publish’ model, this agreement allows MSU-affiliated researchers to publish their research open access at no cost to the authors. Read more here.
Factors associated with open access publishing costs in oncology journals via JMIR Form Res | 40-minute read
This cross-sectional observational cohort study characterized the landscape of open access publishing in oncology and aimed to identify what features of oncology journals were predictive of the cost of article processing charges (APCs). A total of 251 oncology journals met the final inclusion criteria; 62% of these used the hybrid open access publishing model. The median APC was US$2957, and 10% of the journals had APCs greater than US$4000. Open access publication costs were found to be highest in oncology journals that published high volumes of citable articles, used the hybrid open access model, had a high impact factor, and were based in North America or Europe. Read the full text here.
Progress made on clinical trial reporting, but gaps remain via TranspariMED | 20-minute read
A recent snapshot report from the Health Research Authority (HRA) suggests that UK companies and institutions have made substantial progress in clinical trial reporting transparency. The UK was the first country to commit to ensuring all clinical trials are registered and their results are made public within 1 year of trial completion through the national Make it Public strategy. Between September 2021 and September 2022, 92% of clinical trials had been registered by the time their completed final reports were received by the HRA. However, fewer than half (44%) of the clinical trials had made their results public within 12 months of completion. Further alignment with World Health Organization best practice on the disclosure of trial results would be possible if the UK was to adopt national legislation requiring all trial results to be rapidly made publicly available on trial registries.
To engage with:
Register for EMWA Spring Conference 2023 via EMWA
Registration has opened for the European Medical Writers Association (EMWA) Spring Conference 2023, which will be held on 9‒13 May in Prague. The conference is for medical writers at all career stages and will provide professional development and networking opportunities. Alongside training workshops and socials, the conference programme has several expert seminars, including Updates on predatory publishing and practices in scientific communications on 10 May. For more information and to register, click here.
Have you read the December 2022 issue of Medical Writing about Open Science and Open Pharma? Read the full issue here!
