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 Practice

An Explosion of Digital Innovation During a Pandemic

An Explosion of Digital Innovation During a Pandemic

The impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on healthcare systems, colleagues, friends, and loved ones has been unprecedented and, in many cases, tragic. In thinking about digital innovation and the future, the effect of this pandemic will perhaps change our society forever in how we communicate in a variety of ways. Indeed, the speed, response, and efforts in tackling the ongoing crisis are…

Addressing Regional Needs in Your Global Scientific Communication Platform

Addressing Regional Needs in Your Global Scientific Communication Platform

When developing a scientific communication platform (SCP), are you considering whether it will be relevant to workstreams and stakeholders worldwide? The overarching story described within an SCP is not beholden to a specific label but is based in science and intended to be broadly applicable across the organization. However, to ensure uptake of an SCP into all relevant workstreams,…

COVID-19, Is it Business as (Un)usual for Publications Planning?

COVID-19, Is it Business as (Un)usual for Publications Planning?

Public health measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus quickly impacted many medical publication activities, including data collection, data release at congresses, and author participation in publications. This article presents the findings of a survey on the immediate and anticipated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical publication activities…

From ISMPP

An Exceptional 17th Annual Meeting Sets Attendance Record!

An Exceptional 17th Annual Meeting Sets Attendance Record!

In what has been a unique year with facing the COVID-19 pandemic, changing practices for medical publications and communications, and adjusting to work from home and virtual congresses, ISMPP was especially thrilled to have over 650 attendees participate in our virtual 17th Annual Meeting, setting a NEW ATTENDANCE RECORD!…

Moving into Beta: Progress Towards an Authorship Framework

Moving into Beta: Progress Towards an Authorship Framework

Are you interested in an Authorship Framework to document and rank author contributions for publications? Hear an update at the Authorship Algorithm session on April 14, 2021, at the 17th Annual Meeting of ISMPP. The ISMPP Author Algorithm Task Force has made significant progress with its efforts over the past year…

What Would You Do?

Proceed with Data & Author Changes to a 2-year-old Manuscript?

You are the medical writer on a real-world evidence (RWE) manuscript that was initiated 2 years ago. At first draft stage, the project was put on hold. The lead author would like to perform additional analyses and include one of their colleagues as an author. Meanwhile, the new project owner/client would like to finalize and submit the article as soon as possible. What would you do?

Permission to Reuse a Congress Poster Recording

You are a medical publication professional working with a poster author who has been given the option to include an audio recording with an encore poster presentation. The original poster presentation at a major congress included an audio recording. There is concern that while the major congress gives permission for the poster to be encored, the congress does not have permission policies in place allowing for the re-use of the audio recording, for which they hold copyright. 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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