Shining the Spotlight: The Dark Side of Publishing Gets Even Darker

Predatory publishing has evolved beyond questionable journals into a complex ecosystem of paper mills, review manipulation, and AI-enabled fraud. This article explores emerging threats to research integrity and introduces the Quad P framework—Prevention, Probing, Protection, and Preservation—to help professionals identify risks and safeguard the publication lifecycle.

Restoring Trust in Science: What Would Make a Difference?

In this post inspired by an ISMPP U webinar co-hosted with the Council of Science Editors (CSE), Steve Smith explores the growing gap between scientific transparency and public trust. Drawing on expert perspectives, the piece argues that restoring trust will require stronger incentives, more disciplined communication, and a genuine commitment to listening to the communities that science aims to serve.

Get Ready for the ISMPP Annual Meeting—and Make It Count

The 2026 Annual Meeting of ISMPP takes place on April 19-22 in Washington, D.C. See you there!

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“In The Know” – Key Updates in Medical Communications

“In The Know” – Key Updates in Medical Communications

“In The Know” highlights various updates in medical publications and communications: New CHEERS 2022 Guidance, Preprints in ICMJE Recommendations, Carbon Costs of In-Person vs Virtual Medical Conferences, Readability and Format of PLS, AI-Assisted Tools in Scholarly Communications, Peer Review Congress in September 2022…

GPP4 – The Latest Update as Interest Grows

GPP4 – The Latest Update as Interest Grows

Excitement is building as the fourth iteration of the Good Publication Practice (also known as GPP4) guidance nears completion. At the 2022 European Meeting of ISMPP in late January, Dan Bridges (CEO, Nucleus Global) of the GPP4 Steering Committee presented information on the team’s progress. Watch the video to view this GPP4 update…

Building an ISMPP Educational Plan to Move Us All Forward

Building an ISMPP Educational Plan to Move Us All Forward

ISMPP consistently provides foundational educational resources for medical publication and communication professionals worldwide. To ensure alignment with the future educational needs of our members and to inform development of a longer-term, dynamic educational plan, the ISMPP Education Task Force launched a needs assessment survey in Q1 2021…

What Would You Do?

To Use AI or To Not Use AI…for Manuscript Development?

You are a researcher working on a groundbreaking clinical study that could potentially lead to a significant advancement in the treatment of a complex disease. Some members of the research team want to use artificial intelligence (AI) to develop the first draft of the manuscript. Other team members are concerned about accuracy, interpretation, and potential bias in the content. What Would You Do?

Adverse Event Inclusion Just Before Abstract Submission

A medical writer worked with authors to develop a congress abstract for a Phase 2 clinical study. Two days before submission, the lead author requests an additional ‘medical narrative’ statement to be added detailing the management steps and time to resolution of an adverse event seen in one patient. What would you do?

In our role as medical publication professionals, we may occasionally encounter situations in which it is not obvious how to ensure good publication practice. Have you ever wished you could consult the ISMPP membership for guidance when these situations arise? Here’s your opportunity!

What Would You Do? is a section of ISMPP Insider that presents case scenarios as an educational tool for medical publication professionals. The section provides a case scenario to ponder, and readers are invited to participate in a poll by selecting one of the listed solutions. Readers can also submit their thoughts on the scenario anonymously. The poll results, plus educational insights, are posted in a later issue for readers to digest.

Content Lab

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About Content Lab

Content Lab is ISMPP Insider’s dedicated space for timely, relevant, and practical insights in medical communications. Content Lab features concise articles designed to inform, inspire, and spark conversation among our members.​

Whether you’re looking for a quick tip or a deeper dive into the challenges and opportunities facing medical publication and communication professionals,Content Lab delivers informed perspectives, straight from ISMPP. Our goal: to beyour trusted voice for advancing best practices, integrity, and innovation in medical communications.​

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ISMPP Insider’s Knowledge Hub represents a central space for exploring and discovering content, new and older. Content is organized across foundational and applied themes and topics. Explore curated collections or targeted searches to view recent and archival material.
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Ethics, Integrity, & Transparency

Principles, values, and real-world considerations that guide ethical decision-making, transparency, and trust in medical publications and communications (the WHY)

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Medical Writing & Communications

Practical perspectives on writing quality, collaboration, and the day-to-day practice and craft of medical communications

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Standards, Guidelines, & Policies

Authoritative guidelines, policies, and evolving requirements that operationalize ethical and transparent practices and support consistent implementation  (the HOW)

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Innovation & Technology

Informed perspectives on emerging tools, technologies, and evolving practices shaping the future of medical communications

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Publication Strategy & Planning

Strategic approaches to planning, aligning, and delivering evidence and publications across the research lifecycle

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Professional Development & Community

Insights and experiences that support career growth, skills development, and engagement across the medical communications community

Some sections of our new ISMPP Insider blog are still a work-in-progress. Thank you for your patience as we continue to optimize the site for our community.

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