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

Unlocking Evidence Impact: Aligning IEGPs and Strategic Publications for Smarter Communication

Unlocking Evidence Impact: Aligning IEGPs and Strategic Publications for Smarter Communication

In today’s data-rich environment, the life sciences sector continues to struggle with a surprisingly persistent challenge: inconsistent communication of evidence across stakeholder audiences. A practical way forward is the alignment of Integrated Evidence Generation Plans (IEGPs) with strategic publication planning. This article explores how medical communications and publications professionals can help create stronger, more coordinated scientific communication by connecting the “what” (evidence generation) with the “when, where, and how” (dissemination).

Cutting the Clutter: ISMPP’s ORION Task Force Aims to Streamline RFIs

Cutting the Clutter: ISMPP’s ORION Task Force Aims to Streamline RFIs

The Request for Information (RFI) and Request for Proposal (RFP) processes are critical components of medical publication management, enabling stakeholders to evaluate services and establish strategic partnerships. The ISMPP ORION Task Force was established to assess current RFI/RFP practices, identify pain points, explore the benefits and drawbacks of standardization, and develop resources to enhance efficiency, quality, and transparency across stakeholders.

The Dark Side of Publishing: Predatory Journals and Congresses Under Scrutiny

The Dark Side of Publishing: Predatory Journals and Congresses Under Scrutiny

Predatory journals and congresses represent a significant and growing threat to the integrity of medical research, publishing, and scientific dissemination. Raising awareness across all scientific and medical communities, not just among those in publishing, is therefore crucial. This article provides practical guidance, particularly on how to identify and avoid predatory journals and congresses.

From ISMPP

Welcome to ISMPP Insider!

Welcome to ISMPP Insider!

Introducing ISMPP Insider, the evolution of the MAP Newsletter. Like The MAP, Insider brings together expert perspectives, practical insights, trusted guidance, and program news to support the ISMPP community.

Publication Governance Across Biopharma: Your Input Needed

Publication Governance Across Biopharma: Your Input Needed

As the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical communications continues to grow, many organizations are beginning to establish formal policies to guide its responsible use. To better understand current approaches and areas of need, ISMPP has launched a new member survey on company AI policies in medical publications.

What Would You Do?

When a Bespoke AI Tool Falls Short: What Would You Do?

When a Bespoke AI Tool Falls Short: What Would You Do?

You are a medical writer at an agency using a pharmaceutical company’s internally developed generative AI tool to draft a manuscript reporting results from a phase 3 clinical trial. Although the tool is approved for use and initially performs well, you begin to identify inaccuracies that require substantial human correction, reducing its expected efficiency. With tight timelines, organizational expectations, and scientific integrity all at stake, what would you do?

Poll Results: Level of Detail for Efficacy and Safety Data in a Clinical Study Publication?

Poll Results: Level of Detail for Efficacy and Safety Data in a Clinical Study Publication?

You are a medical publication professional in a pharmaceutical company, working on a clinical trial publication for a novel drug that has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of a life-threatening disease. Some of the authors are keen to emphasize the promising efficacy outcomes without, in your opinion, incorporating the same level of detail about certain adverse events. 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

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.​

Knowledge Hub

Explore

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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