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

No More RoboWars – AI and Medical Communications

No More RoboWars – AI and Medical Communications

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being researched and applied in many industries, and it is showing promise in the clinic. Given this trend, what might be the effect of AI on the medical communications landscape and its expert practitioners in the future?…

From ISMPP

ISMPP West 2019: A Pivotal Educational Meeting

ISMPP West 2019: A Pivotal Educational Meeting

ISMPP West 2019 proved to be a pivotal meeting for the Society’s educational presence on the US West Coast. This second-ever ISMPP West, held November 14-15, 2019, was highly regarded and was well-attended with 124 participants, topping last year’s ISMPP West…

GPP4: Development Is Underway

GPP4: Development Is Underway

ISMPP is honored to have the opportunity to sponsor the next iteration of the Good Publication Practice (GPP) guidelines, an industry-leading document to guide the ethical development of medical publications. Development of the GPP4 guidelines is now well underway, with a Steering Committee established and working steadily on revisions to the guidance…

Open Pharma Releases Position Statement on Open Access

Open Pharma Releases Position Statement on Open Access

Open Pharma recently released its Position Statement on Open Access, which advocates that access to pharmaceutical company-funded research should not be restricted by journal paywalls. The Position Statement points out that approximately half of all biomedical research is funded by pharmaceutical companies. In the Position Statement, Open Pharma sets out its…

What Would You Do?

POLL RESULTS: Journal Questions Medical Writer Acknowledgement & Funding

The lead author of a meta-analysis manuscript received a rejection notice from a journal that stated “…although the topic may be of interest to the readership, the Editors are concerned about the perception of bias given the statement of funding support from the sponsor and the participation of a paid, professional medical writer.” The lead author has emailed all authors, sponsor, and medical communications agency suggesting that the manuscript be revised by the authors alone so that acknowledgement of the medical writer and funding from the sponsor to support medical writing can be removed…

POLL: Adding an Author at Final Draft Stage?

You are pleased to see that an author of an abstract at final draft has sent her final comments because the submission deadline is just days away. However, the author has also included a request to add one of her colleagues as an author to the abstract…

This poll is closed. Poll results will be released in October 2021.

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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