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

Clinical Trials: An Overview of the Bread and Butter of Publications

Clinical Trials: An Overview of the Bread and Butter of Publications

The first reference to a clinical trial can be found in the Bible. In that trial, conducted by King Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC), children fed a strict diet of meat and wine were compared to children fed pulses (eg, beans, peas, lentils) and followed for 3 years (by the way, the children on the meat and wine diet were deemed healthier)…

RWE: A Brave New World for the Medical Publications Professional

RWE: A Brave New World for the Medical Publications Professional

Real-World Evidence (RWE), according to the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR), comprises “Data used for decision-making that are not collected in conventional randomized controlled trials (RCTs).” RWE is not new; collection of RWE has been mandated for the pharmaceutical industry for many years…

From ISMPP

ISMPP Introduces New Student Membership

ISMPP Introduces New Student Membership

ISMPP has introduced a new Student Membership category, expanding its membership offerings to welcome future medical publication professionals. The Society has been exploring Student Membership for the past year, and ultimately decided to proceed with this new membership category to…

ISMPP Member Publications and Presentations

ISMPP Member Publications and Presentations

ISMPP is pleased to share these recent publications and presentations by Society members. We encourage our members to publish and present research and information related to publishing practices to advance the medical publications profession, and improve standards and best practices…

13th Annual Meeting of ISMPP – A Great Success!

13th Annual Meeting of ISMPP – A Great Success!

The 13th Annual Meeting of ISMPP was a great success, with its programming focused on the meeting theme, Global Publication Practices: Advancing Ethics and Scientific Integrity in an Era of Data Sharing. Over 560 attendees participated in the meeting, held May 1-3, 2017, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, in National Harbor, Maryland, USA…

What Would You Do?

POLL RESULTS: The Authorship Order Dilemma

You are a company medical publication professional. The publication steering committee of a company-sponsored pivotal phase 3 clinical trial has selected investigators to serve as authors, but the committee and authors are having difficulty in deciding the order of authorship. During discussions, multiple authors believe that they have equal rights to the first author position based on their contributions. What Would You Do?

POLL: Delayed Review Calls Authorship into Question

You are a company medical publication professional. The lead author of a manuscript in development was key in acquiring data for the study and actively engaged in the initial discussions that shaped the outline for the paper. However, he/she was slow to send feedback…

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.​

Knowledge Hub

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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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