English is the predominant language for scholarly journals, including those in open access (OA) repositories. Scientists and journals seeking more citations are pushed to publish in English instead of local languages. As a result, publications in various local languages, especially in the Global South, have diminished, even though an ever-increasing proportion of researchers belongs to non–English-speaking backgrounds. Considering the pervasive dominance of English in academic publishing, the importance of embracing linguistic diversity in this space needs to be recognized.

See also: How Publishers and Journals Can Encourage OA Submissions from Underserved Groups

Why do academia and scholarly publishing need linguistic diversity?

Electronic communication and mobilization of researchers globally are facilitating increased international scientific collaboration. This scenario should encourage rather than erode linguistic diversity. A sort of “cross-pollination” is needed to change the current homogeneity and standardization of practices in disseminating scientific knowledge, lent by the dominance of articles in English, mostly from the Global North.

UNESCO’s Recommendation concerning the Promotion and Use of Multilingualism and Universal Access to Cyberspace seeks to “promote human interaction on the Internet by encouraging the creation and processing of, and access to, educational, cultural and scientific content in digital form, so as to ensure that all cultures can express themselves and have access to cyberspace in all languages, including indigenous ones.”

A lack of language diversity can lead to an impoverishment of research on lesser-known cultures and traditional knowledge, and even a loss of local languages. Researchers and their valuable work in this space might remain undiscovered because of the lack of visibility of findings disseminated in languages besides English. Open science can help preserve local, traditional knowledge, which is typically available in local or Indigenous languages.

It is worth mentioning another crucial need for communicating research in different languages: academic communication in the native language of a target audience leads to greater participation and motivation and stronger connections to concepts in the local culture.

Thus, multilingualism is an important means to support OA and offer diverse methods to produce, communicate, and utilize knowledge.

See also: Breaking Down Barriers: How and Why Research Societies and Publishers Are Embracing Cultural Diversity

How is OA supporting linguistic diversity in scholarly publishing?

There are currently 20,341 journals indexed in the directory of OA journals (DOAJ; the largest database of fully OA journals), representing 135 countries and covering 80 languages. About 35% of indexed journals in 2022 published articles in two or more languages.

Multilingual journals from the Global South

Asia: At present, 3,636 journals from Asia are indexed in DOAJ, and 1,253 repositories from Asia are registered on OpenDOAR. National-level digital libraries have been developed in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, and Kuwait, with local language OA databases. A study on contributions by BIMSTEC countries (seven South Asian and Southeast Asian nations) to DOAJ found that these covered journals in Hindi, Thai, Turkish, Nepali, Arabic, and Sanskrit.

Latin America: Latin America has a long history of non-commercial OA publishing, predating the global OA movement. In their ecosystem of non-APC OA publishing, Redalyc and AmeliCA promote the inclusion of local science and linguistic diversity. Further, within the DOAJ, the predominant languages of journals after English are Spanish (3,821 journals) and Portuguese (2,450 journals); these are languages used in many Latin American nations. Of note, the Indigenous language Quechua has one journal in this database too.

Africa: In Africa, English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese are colonial languages, and in addition, there is a rich tapestry of local languages. Journals in these languages are indexed in DOAJ, including local languages like Afrikaans and Sotho.

OA initiatives promoting lingual diversity can provide much-needed global visibility to researchers of the Global South and lead to more citations by researchers in other countries.

See also: Communicating Research on Indigenous Peoples: The Role of Journals and Publishers

Open Journal Systems

Open Journal Systems (OJS), a free and open source software application for publishing scholarly journals online, is used by over 25,000 journals, most of which originate in the Global South. OJS is multilingual and has been translated into over 50 languages.

Helsinki Initiative

The Helsinki Initiative on Multilingualism in Scholarly Communication was conceptualized in 2019. Signatories support three salient recommendations to be adopted by policy-makers, universities and research institutions, funders, libraries, and researchers:

• Supporting the dissemination of research findings for the benefit of the society
• Supporting the publication of locally relevant research
• Promoting language diversity in research assessment, evaluation, and funding.

How can multilingualism be promoted in publishing?

Besides current initiatives, some more ways in which the publishing landscape can work towards increasing linguistic diversity are as follows:

• Journals can have websites in more than one language. Article titles, abstracts, and keywords can be made available in all languages. Further, the use of translation apps and multimedia formats like videos may be encouraged.

• Multilingual editorial teams can boost the prospects of language diversity in scholarly publishing.

• Scholarly journals can encourage content translation by licensing materials for transformation and creation.

• Scientometric indicators supporting the representation of diverse languages in academic discourse may be developed, similar to one suggested by Linkov et al. in 2021. Such indices, going beyond traditional citation metrics, may be used to measure impact and reward researchers publishing in languages besides English.

See also: 8 Ways Academic Journals and Publishers Can Encourage Diversity Among Authors

Closing thoughts

Linguistic diversity promotes effective scholarly communication and upholds the tenets of open science. Lingual diversity has the power to preserve locally relevant research and create impact for multilingual researchers from diverse geographies and cultures. An environment where local languages are valued and supported in academia not only preserves cultural richness but also promotes equitable access to knowledge across diverse communities worldwide. Encouraging linguistic diversity in academic publishing is not merely a matter of preserving languages but a commitment to inclusivity, enabling a more comprehensive and representative global exchange of ideas and research.

The post <strong>Words Without Borders: Linguistic Diversity in Open Access Publishing</strong> appeared first on CACTUS.

Here are some ways by which OA publishing can promote human rights.

Documentation of human rights abuses

Proper documentation of what constitutes human rights abuse and how to prevent it ensures that practitioners have access to pertinent examples, rules, and regulations. Documentation can also prevent researchers from intentionally or unwittingly participating in human rights violations. Organizations and societies play a key role in this direction, e.g., the World Medical Association prevents physicians from taking part in human rights violations.

Research provides evidence-based recommendations for effective policies and practices, and OA can help research percolate out of academic circles to inform these efforts.

Role in supporting advocacy efforts

Human rights advocacy aims to create or implement human rights norms, law, or policy. At the heart of human rights and social justice change lies the effective use of information. Publishers can facilitate the dissemination of information related to human rights issues, making this critical information accessible to a wide audience. By providing access to such content, they can amplify the voices of activists, researchers, and human rights organizations, helping to raise awareness and gather support for the protection and promotion of human rights.

Disseminating policy implications of research

Publishers and scholarly societies can leverage their wealth of peer-reviewed research to engage with stakeholders and influence critical issues related to their respective fields. They can develop and utilize new ways of presenting and sharing information to inform policy changes and contribute to global transformation in areas like public health, the economy, and sustainability. Journals on human rights issues can make their research more visible, discoverable, and accessible in a number of ways, e.g., making research available in regional languages and sharing research findings in plain, accessible language.

Access to such research is vital to stimulate further dialog and research on policy, as well as encourage diplomatic efforts, economic or political sanctions, and mediation and conflict resolution.

Impact of OA research on social justice movements

OA research can have a significant impact on social justice movements. The democratization of scholarly knowledge, which is a key aspect of the OA movement, ensures that work is available for anyone to read, usually via the Internet. Research on social movements can advance current understanding of policy from a global perspective and strengthen relevant frameworks. Global movements to challenge inequalities and mobilize for greater justice and progressive policy changes can be ushered in with various campaigns rooted in access to information. Take for example HURIDOCS, which establishes online, user-friendly libraries for access to human rights information for improving advocacy and litigation efforts. It also offers a directory of publicly available and reliable sources of human rights information.

To overcome language barriers limiting access to human rights information, volunteers from the UN Human Rights Office, Wikimedia Foundation, and Wikipedia launched a #WikiForHumanRights campaign to create multilingual content on human rights. More than 700 articles on various human rights topics were edited in over 12 languages, and articles dedicated to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights were made available in nine additional languages.

Scholarly publishers in this space can spearhead similar initiatives to meaningfully contribute to social justice movements.

OA and its impact on grassroots movements

Grassroots movements are collaborative efforts of regular individuals working together to initiate change. This type of activism can occur on a global, regional, or community level. Focusing on building power from the ground up can be a powerful and effective approach for safeguarding and promoting human rights. Grassroots movements address a wide spectrum of issues, including environmental conservation, social justice, rural development, women’s empowerment, and more. OA research has the power to amplify grassroots efforts. By opening access to information and research, OA can help motivate grassroots movements for positive change.

Final notes

By bridging knowledge gaps, OA can reduce disparities in access to information, address inequality, and facilitate global collaboration. OA research can have a transformative impact on advocacy, social justice movements, and grassroots movements in shaping the future of human rights across the globe. The promotion of OA to human rights information will pave the way for advancing the field of human rights in both public and private sectors and empower local communities to further human rights causes.

The post <strong>The Potential of Open Access in Promoting Human Rights</strong> appeared first on CACTUS.

On the bright side, in recent years, open and candid discussions about mental health issues have become increasingly prevalent, and organizations are acknowledging their roles in assisting members or employees in maintaining their mental health. Academic societies are recognizing the importance of addressing mental health concerns among their members, implementing various initiatives to provide support and resources. By prioritizing researcher mental health, academic societies can help create a more supportive and inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.

Why academic societies should be invested in researcher mental health

Mental well-being safeguards creativity, productivity, and efficiency. Researcher mental health is therefore an important facet that guarantees that researchers contribute meaningfully to academia. It is worth noting that the mental health crisis has repercussions on the academic community as a whole, which may take the form of decreased productivity and even attrition, ultimately translating into a loss of valuable talent.

Mental health is a social responsibility. Researchers deserve to work in an environment that respects their dignity, autonomy, and diversity. They should have access to resources and support that promote their mental health and well-being. They should also be able to seek help without fear of stigma or discrimination.

Academic societies can serve as effective catalysts to mobilize change and foster a culture conducive to the mental health of their members. This not only benefits the researchers themselves but also enhances the reputation and impact of the academic society and the quality of research it produces. For researchers to thrive both personally and professionally, academic societies can implement strategies and support systems to address the mental health needs of their members.

Recent initiatives by academic societies to improve members’ mental health

Thanks to the heightened awareness of mental health challenges today, research societies are advocating for policies and practices that protect and enhance researchers’ mental health and well-being. Here are some inspiring examples.

Mental health workshops and webinars

Many societies offer workshops and webinars on topics related to mental health, such as stress management, resilience building, and work–life balance.

·         American Nurses Association (ANA): Nurses and nursing researchers work in high-stress environments and are prone to mental health issues due to stress and burnout. Recognizing that mental health is an essential part of nurses’ well-being, the ANA launched the Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation (HNHN) program, which encompasses actions in six domains, one of which is mental health. HNHN initiatives include webinars and presentations.

• American Physical Society (APS): The APS routinely holds networking meetings for members to share experiences; build relationships; and discuss equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. Last year, one of the sessions of the meeting was on navigating burnout, and this year, the March meeting included a Mental Health Roundtable for those dealing with mental health issues to interact with others and to discuss challenges and further steps.
• American Chemical Society (ACS): The ACS runs a Changing the Culture of Chemistry series, within which a webinar discussing Mental Health in the Lab was offered.

Mental health awareness campaigns

Some societies run campaigns on mental health awareness and healthy practices. For example, the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) holds public health campaigns, many of them catering to mental health issues. One such example is the Scroll Free September campaign to motivate people to have a healthier relationship with social media.

Empowering members to drive change

When society members are given a voice, they can serve as change-makers at the society level, influencing the academic landscape in a particular field. The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) offers Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowships and Young Ambassador programs. Such initiatives can galvanize underrepresented researchers to come forward and share their mental health challenges with confidence. One such Future Leaders Mentorship Fellow and ASM Young Ambassador, Samantha Avina, hosts workshops to encourage young scientists to hone their interpersonal skills and be open to having difficult conversations.

Mental health resources

Some societies offer resources on mental health, including articles, videos, and toolkits, which members can access online. For example, under the HNHN, ANA members can access mental health blogs, presentations, a series about nurse suicide in the American Nurse Journal, and even a nurse suicide prevention/resilience website. HNHN offers members free access to a 1-year subscription to Headspace PLUS, which promotes meditation, healthy sleep, mindful eating, etc.

Envisioning change and implementing innovative steps to address the mental health crisis in academia

There are a number of ways by which academic societies can make a mark in promoting mental health among their members.

Societies can set up mentoring or support programs, where experienced members offer guidance and support to those facing mental health challenges. Surveys may be conducted to assess the mental health needs of members, and the data may be used to tailor various initiatives and resources accordingly. Societies can collaborate with mental health organizations to provide members with expert guidance and support, e.g., counseling services or helplines.

Academic societies can advocate for policies and practices that address systemic issues that negatively impact researcher mental health. They can push for better job security, more equitable funding opportunities, and more inclusive hiring practices. Academic societies can collaborate with universities, funding agencies, and government bodies to promote researcher mental health and well-being. They can share best practices, resources, and data to develop evidence-based policies and programs that benefit researchers.

The specific programs and resources offered can vary from one society to another, depending on the size, resources, and member needs. For societies that are yet to embrace these trends, it all begins with taking that first step. Take for example the Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP), which has been actively working on constituting and mobilizing a Mental Health Task Force. The objective is to explore how the SSP can support the well-being of its members, particularly around work-related concerns. Certain practical initiatives to support mental health awareness for SSP members have been earmarked, some of which are being implemented, e.g., disseminating more information on mental health issues through their blog, The Scholarly Kitchen.

To conclude

The alarming rates at which researchers around the world are experiencing depression and anxiety make it amply clear that systemic solutions and support are needed to manage mental health issues. Academic societies are well positioned to take actionable steps against the mental health crisis in academia. In fact, they stand to benefit from such initiatives in the long run. Investing in researcher mental health will yield returns not only by advancing the frontier of knowledge but also by enhancing the sustainability of academic societies.

The post Why Researcher Mental Health is Important for Academic Societies appeared first on CACTUS.

By curating the scientific literature and ensuring its quality, academic publishers have a central role in advancing the scientific frontier. Similarly, research societies support the development and dissemination of knowledge in various disciplines. They publish journals, develop professional excellence, raise public awareness, and recognize and award significant achievements. Together, publishers and scholarly societies help define and set standards for their professional fields and promote high standards of quality. In clinical research, these standards also include aspects of ethics, privacy, and mental and physical well-being of patients. Safety is needed for patients involved in clinical trials, as well as for the secondary use of data and biological samples. Further, publishers and societies need to consider benefits and risks to individuals and the public.

Let’s look at how research societies and publishers contribute to patient safety through various practices.

1. Curating and disseminating reliable research

Scholarly publishers and societies are established channels for disseminating medical knowledge through their journals, conference proceedings, and various fora. These publications pass through mandatory peer review, academia’s quality control process. We frequently hear how peer reviewers are “gatekeepers,” in that they judge the novelty and importance of studies. But peer review also helps in identifying potential risks and flaws in research methodologies that could impact patient safety. Peer review must ensure strict scrutiny to uphold current laws and guidelines around ethically sound human research.

Remember how non-peer-reviewed preprints and rushed peer review during the COVID-19 pandemic caused potentially misleading information to spread? Swift retractions of spurious COVID-19 literature in both preprints and peer-reviewed papers, including those from high-ranking journals, served to prevent public health risk by curtailing the release of information that could harm patient safety. Thus, journals and societies must maintain responsible research practices during global emergencies.

Further, peer reviewers should be alert to overt unethical research practices like ethics dumping. In a classic case of ethics dumping, in clinical trials conducted in India from 1998 to 2015, thousands of women were placed in a control group without access to proper cervical cancer screening, despite effective methods being available. These women were thus knowingly exposed to the risk of developing and dying from cervical cancer. Research with poor ethical standards should raise red flags in pre-registration, grant review, and peer review stages to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable populations and protect the rights of research participants.

2. Making research advances accessible and understandable

Research is rapidly becoming more complex and interdisciplinary, and efficient sharing of information between researchers and the public has become more important now than ever before. Open Science calls for collaboration between diverse knowledge systems and highlights the importance of “open engagement” and participatory research. Involving patients in research can enhance the quality of healthcare provided and foster mutual learning, as patients gain a deeper understanding of fundamental scientific research, while researchers broaden their perspectives to better appreciate what matters most to patients. Patient partners can also help disseminate research findings, facilitating communication with the public and enhancing trust in the clinical research community.

Open access (OA) is one of the elements of Open Science. To be truly successful, advances in medicine must be accessible and understandable to patients across demographics. Moreover, OA publishing increases the accessibility of patient safety–related research to a wider audience. Numerous journals in the field of patient safety follow some form of OA, e.g., Patient Safety in Surgery and Journal of Patient Safety. In fact, the Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews (JPCRR) is a Diamond OA journal, which means permanent and free access to published scientific works for readers and no publication fees for the authors.

3. Educating and training healthcare professionals about patient safety

Professional societies are well positioned to provide educational resources and training to researchers regarding ethical considerations and patient safety. As early as 1984, the American Society of Anesthesiologists established the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF). The APSF champions anesthesia patient safety and aims to improve the safety of patients during anesthesia care by identifying safety initiatives and creating relevant recommendations. The American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Heart Association provide online resources to help patients obtain information about research relevant to their health concerns. Societies such as the Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research routinely organize workshops, seminars, and short courses focusing on patient safety issues.

4. Transparent reporting of errors, adverse events, and negative findings

Journals and societies are bringing about initiatives to promote transparency in reporting negative outcomes. For example, after noting the deficiencies in the reporting of adverse events in manuscripts submitted to the Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, the journal declared its commitment to accurate and transparent scientific reporting, endorsing “CONsolidated Standards of Reporting Trials” (CONSORT). Now, most journals encourage authors to follow “Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research” (EQUATOR) reporting guidelines. However, a recent study showed that the CONSORT checklist is not adhered to in a large number of published trials, underscoring the role journals can play by mandating critical reporting practices.

Besides reporting the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions against associated risks, it is crucial to broaden the scope of reporting to include near misses or close calls. Research societies and publishers are also encouraging the publication of negative results and failed clinical trials to prevent the duplication of studies on potentially harmful treatments or interventions.

5. Meaningful collaborations for developing safety regulations

By working alongside regulatory agencies and collaborating with healthcare professionals, scholarly societies and publishers can help develop and implement research-based safety regulations. They can facilitate communication between researchers and clinicians to ensure that research findings are translated into safer medical practices. Working closely with patient advocates can be immensely beneficial too. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) includes patient representatives on the ASCO Cancer Research Committee and ASCO Expert Panels for their inputs on developing guidelines, and the American Association for Cancer Research fosters connections between patient advocates and researchers. Patient advocates can guide researchers on making studies more patient-centric, e.g., regarding the frequency of biopsies or treatment logistics. Such feedback is instrumental in designing studies with a better focus on patient satisfaction and safety.

Closing thoughts

Scholarly publishers and societies have a moral imperative to uphold patient safety in medical research and practice. They can contribute to this by establishing and inculcating ethical standards for research involving human subjects; fostering openness and knowledge-sharing among researchers to ensure safer medical practices; and collaborating with researchers, healthcare professionals, and patient advocates.

Collective and evolving efforts by publishers and societies can drive healthcare policies and safety measures to meet patients’ needs and preferences, while building and maintaining support, trust, and transparency.

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1. Understanding the target researcher base

A truly representative brand persona will help the organization get insights into the needs and expectations of the target audience, leading to the development of useful products and services. For instance, a publisher might find that a large number of target authors need language support services or help with disseminating their work on multiple platforms. Accordingly,the publisher can develop and market relevant solutions and offerings that meet these specific needs.

2. Improving author support and experience

Personas can help organizations to anticipate and address the common issues, questions, and preferences of their target audience, which can improve the quality and efficiency of author service and support. Personas can also guide the design and development of user interfaces, content, and features that are intuitive, appealing, and useful. For instance, understanding that the color red has connotations of prosperity and celebration in China, versus love/passion and danger to a Western audience can influence how you design your website, brochures, etc.

3. Creating an emotional connection and building brand loyalty

Every publisher wants to spread awareness of their brand and differentiate themselves from competitors to gain more submissions, readership, and revenue. A scholarly society also seeks to increase their member base and maintain member loyalty. A persona that resonates with relevant researchers (authors and readers) can help achieve these targets.

A guide for creating a persona for an academic society or publisher

Creating a comprehensive persona can seem overwhelming at first, but it’s actually a straightforward process that involves gathering and analyzing data and synthesizing your findings into a complete picture of your ideal customer. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Conduct user research

The first step is to gather insights into the needs, behaviors, and preferences of your target audience. You can use a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and analytics.

2. Define the demographic profile

Based on the user research data, identify the key demographic characteristics of your target audience, such as region, career stage or age, discipline, and gender. This information will help you to create a persona that accurately represents your target customer archetype. Identify and understand the patterns that you find. In a scholarly publishing setting, the following points are key in defining an appropriate persona:

2.1. Mind the (generation) gap!

It may be argued that publishers’ websites have been designed for Gen X. However, Millennials (currently aged 27–42 years) are at their peak publishing streak, driving home the need to build websites and author experiences that appeal to this cohort of researchers. And why stop there—publishers must keep up and stay relevant to the emerging crop of “Gen Zs,” (born 1997–2012), the oldest of whom are just about embarking on their postgraduation. Gen Zs are more inclined toward organizations that are socially responsible. Millennials and Gen Zs value technology and innovation, prefer experiences over things, are progressive, and recognize the importance of mental health and wellbeing. Publishers and societies whose personas reflect these values are sure to stand out and be valued by early-career researchers, a key target demographic.

2.2 Determine the audience’s professional roles

Identify the professional roles or job titles of your target audience, such as researchers, professors, librarians, or editors. This information will help you to understand their activities and professional priorities related to their work.

2.3 Understand the audience’s goals, motivations, and challenges

Identify the goals and motivations of your target audience, such as advancing their research and career or discovering new knowledge. This information will help you to create content and services accordingly.

Explore the pain points and obstacles that your target audience faces, such as funding constraints, access to resources, or time management. This information will help you to develop solutions and services that address their needs and help them overcome their challenges. Let your brand story present and solve a unique problem.

“Author experience” (AX) has started being discussed in academic publishing circles, given the striking shift in marketing focus from libraries or institutions to individuals (authors, reviewers, and readers). Therefore, AX is a trendy and pivotal aspect to consider when creating a brand persona.

3. Build a persona narrative

Use the information you have gathered to create a narrative that describes your target audience in a realistic and relatable way. It is easy for one to identify with an authentic, personal story. Publishers and societies can create compelling ‘About Us’ write-ups to humanize the brand, be proactive on social media, and put out content pieces that “speak to” the target demographics organically.

4. Test and refine the persona(s)

The persona should be regularly updated based on new user research and feedback. Continuously refine your personas as you learn more about your target audience, using them to guide your decision-making and communication strategies.

Once all this is done, you are ready to feature the persona in marketing materials and social media to help connect with your target audience and inspire them to engage with your resources and community!

 Potential brand personas for a research society

Let’s take a look at potential brand personas that may fit different member segments of your society.

1. Jessica

Jessica is a 40-year-old biomedical professional working in a clinical setting. She is focused on improving patient outcomes and seeks research that directly impacts clinical practice. She prefers concise and easily accessible content that can be consumed within her busy schedule. She prefers accessing content through a members-only section on the research society’s website, allowing her to conveniently find and reference materials when needed. She finds on-demand educational videos that provide practical demonstrations and step-by-step procedures particularly useful.

• Dan

Dan is a 28-year-old biomedical scientist who recently completed his Ph.D. He joined the research society to connect with mentors, access resources, and stay informed about the latest breakthroughs in his field. He is focused on building his expertise, establishing himself as a credible researcher, and advancing his career. He is interested in resources that offer guidance on grant writing, publishing, and navigating the early stages of a research career. He also enjoys participating in online communities and attending virtual conferences where he can network with established researchers and gain exposure to diverse perspectives.

Note: These brand personas are fictional representations created to help you understand the different archetypes that might exist within your target audience. Actual member characteristics and preferences should be based on real data and research.

Wrapping it up

A persona humanizes a brand, making it stand out in a crowd and yet be relatable to the end users. Brand personas are created by drawing on user research, and scholarly publishers and societies can harness personas as a powerful tool for understanding their target audience. They can align their strategies and resources with the needs and goals of their members or customers, which can lead to successful outcomes and higher revenue.

Are you ready to build stronger relationships with your members or customers? Use the guide provided in this article to build a relatable persona and adopt a compelling way to share it with your customers!

The post <strong>How Societies and Publishers Can Create and Use Personas</strong> appeared first on CACTUS.

Publication inequities have been demonstrated time and again in peer-reviewed research. In a recent PLOS ONE article, Liu et al. showed that non-white researchers are underrepresented on journal editorial boards, have longer wait times for publishing their research, and are less likely to be cited than their white counterparts. Such inequalities affect the chances of researchers of certain racial and geographical groups to progress academically and professionally.

For ensuring research that is inclusive and equitable, publishers and research societies should work towards fostering an overall environment that represents and supports different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

The positive impact of cultural diversity in research

It is crucial for publishers and societies to investing in cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue for various reasons, as elaborated below.

First of all, recognizing the vast diversity of cultures allows people to learn about and appreciate different beliefs and values. Researchers can develop empathy and tolerance for other cultures, which can reduce discrimination and prejudice. This can facilitate collaboration with researchers from other cultures, especially other countries, and reduce “colonization of science.”

Moreover, when people engage with different cultures, they celebrate differences and broaden their horizons. When people with different backgrounds and experiences come together, they can collaborate and create new solutions to problems. Inclusion can also help empower diverse groups to contribute meaningfully to academic discourse. Researchers from different backgrounds collaborating on a project are more likely to question assumption and biases and this will lead to more accurate and thorough research. A culturally diverse research group is more capable of generating innovative ideas and solutions, of taking a holistic approach to solving problems, and of making richer scientific discoveries.

How supporting cultural diversity benefits research societies and publishers

Supporting cultural diversity can have numerous tangible benefits for research societies and publishers. Below are some ways by which inclusive research and publishing can benefit academic societies.

A more balanced editorial process

A truly diverse management and editorial board composed of persons from all demographic populations will reduce conscious and unconscious biases in editorial workflows. When editors and reviewers from diverse cultural backgrounds participate in the editorial process, they bring their unique experiences and perspectives, which can challenge the biases and assumptions that may be present in the editorial process. This can help to ensure that different viewpoints are considered and that decisions are made based on a more comprehensive and balanced understanding of the topic.

Broader research scope

Embracing cultural diversity expands the scope of research and makes it more relevant and applicable to a wider readership. Editors and reviewers from diverse cultural backgrounds can provide insight and feedback on how research and publications may be perceived and received by different cultural groups, which can help to avoid misunderstandings or unintended offense. Further, researchers from different cultural backgrounds may have different interests or expertise in different methodologies, which can lead to more comprehensive that is relevant and applicable in a broader context.

Access to new markets

Research societies and publishers who support cultural diversity can expand their reach to new markets. By understanding the needs and perspectives of diverse groups, they can develop new products and services that meet specific needs.

When research and publications are reviewed by editors and reviewers from diverse cultural backgrounds, it can help to ensure that the language and format used are inclusive and accessible.

Better recruitment and retention

When research societies and publishers promote cultural diversity, they can attract a wider pool of talented individuals. This not only leads to better recruitment but also improves retention rates as employees feel valued and respected.

Improved reputation

Organizations that promote cultural diversity can enhance their reputation and brand image. This can lead to increased trust and loyalty among customers and stakeholders.

Academic publishers that promote cultural diversity—both within the organization and with the communities they engage in—can establish their presence as inclusive and socially responsible leaders in the academic publishing industry.

How research societies and publishers are supporting cultural diversity

By demonstrating their dedication and commitment to “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI), research societies and publishers can prove their spirited initiative and make a meaningful impact on researchers from diverse communities. When creating and implementing a DEI initiative, the organization should openly exchange ideas and expectations and involve as many people as possible to get feedback and perspectives.

Some DEI initiatives for such organizations to consider are as follows:

• Connecting with local communities and co-creating relevant knowledge bases.
• Celebrating diverse holidays, e.g., social media posts announcing diverse festivals.
• Issuing a DEI statement and/or publishing a diversity video on the website.
• Establishing mentorship programs for underrepresented groups.

See also: Creating Inclusive Learning Resources: Tips for Societies and Publishers

Many research societies and publishers have already committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in research and academia. Here are a few examples of publishers and research societies embodying the true meaning of DEI in their functioning.

1. Emerald Publishing is making efforts to improve DEI in their publishing norms and editorial boards to support research that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals. They have made a commitment to Black Lives Matter and have also collaborated with the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS) Research Evaluation Working Group to achieve greater diversity on their editorial boards.

2. The American Psychological Association (APA) is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in psychology research. They are driven by a DEI framework, striving to address systemic racism, for example, by avoiding language that might be offensive to the members of certain communities. The APA also offers Scholarships to Enhance and Empower Diversity to support the mentoring of promising trainees from diverse backgrounds.

3. Springer Nature has launched the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Network to address racism, ensure equitable recruitment, and guarantee accountability in upholding DEI in research publishing. Springer Nature is a signatory to the Publishers Association’s 10 point Inclusivity Action Plan and the Joint Commitment for Action on Inclusion and Diversity in Publishing. They also won Diversity Team of the Year at the British Diversity Awards 2022.

4. The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) launched the ACM Diversity and Inclusion Council, which works to promote diversity and inclusion within the organization and the computing community as a whole.

See also: How Academic Societies are Reinventing Membership Experiences

To wrap up

Cultural diversity is a key driver of success for research societies and publishers, as well as for scholars from diverse cultural backgrounds and geographical locations. To ensure fairness and equity in editorial boards, acceptance delays, citations, and recognition, systemic changes are required. By embracing diversity, societies and publishers will not only broaden their readership and increase the relevance of their publications but also contribute to the overall advancement of knowledge and understanding. It is evident that promoting cultural diversity is a mutually beneficial strategy for academic publishers and the broader scholarly community.

The post <strong>Breaking Down Barriers: How and Why Research Societies and Publishers are Embracing Cultural Diversity</strong> appeared first on CACTUS.

Why research societies should build their brand

Research societies that focus on brand building can succeed on various fronts.

Credibility and global reputation: A strong brand identity helps to establish the credibility of a research society. By building a brand that is associated with quality, expertise, and professionalism, research societies can attract new members and gain the trust of their existing members. A strong brand will help the world discover the impact of a society’s work and enhance its academic reputation.

Increased membership: Brand building can help research societies grow by encouraging the inflow of new members who align with a society’s research interests, values, and mission.

Meaningful member engagement: Through a clear brand identity and messaging strategy, a society can communicate its mission and values more effectively. This can motivate members to become more involved and active in the society and its diverse initiatives, including advocacy.

Funding and sponsorships: By establishing a strong brand identity and reputation, societies can increase their chances of securing funding and sponsorships for research projects, conferences, and other initiatives.

Positioning brand storytelling in brand building

Research societies can adopt brand building by developing a unique brand identity, implementing a relevant branding strategy, establishing a visual identity, building a strong online presence, leveraging partnerships, and focusing on member engagement. Where does brand storytelling fit in this picture and how can research societies use it?

Culturally, storytelling is as old as civilization itself! Using narratives is one of the oldest approaches humans used to spread important information in an evocative way. Brand storytelling is the art of using a narrative to communicate a brand’s mission and values to its audience. Brand storytelling aims to create a memorable and engaging identity that resonates with the target audience and creates an emotional connection.

Tips for effective brand storytelling by research societies

Today’s fast-paced and technology-driven society has made human connection particularly valuable. Research societies need to establish a deeper connection with their audience to stand out. And in a post-text world, these stories need to be relayed in multiple formats of digital storytelling to inspire communities around the world. Here are some tips for research societies to execute effective brand storytelling.

Identify the right channels: Brand storytelling is more powerful than traditional advertising and marketing. Social networking sites provide brands with a powerful tool to tell their story and connect with their audience in a more meaningful way. Research societies should leverage the reach, engagement, virality, and analytics of these platforms to build a strong and authentic brand story.

Know your audience: Know your target audience and their needs, interests, and preferences to tailor your message and make it relevant to them.

Develop an effective narrative: A brand story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. The narrative should be cohesive and flow well. People are more likely to remember a story that evokes an emotional response. Creating a story that sparks interest or connects with the audience on an emotional level can go a long way to this end.

Make it memorable: Instead of telling the audience what a society’s brand is all about, show them through storytelling. Using vivid descriptions and examples to paint a picture of your brand’s values will make the brand story memorable and leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Cross-promote your brand: Cross-promotion is a terrific way to enhance brand storytelling efforts and expand reach. One way to do this is by co-creating content. A society can work with universities or even other societies and journals to tell a compelling story that resonates with overlapping audiences. The story may be shared via blog posts, videos, or social media campaigns. Another approach is to partner with academic influencers who align with a research society’s profile and have a following that overlaps with the research society’s target audience.

Examples of brand storytelling by research societies and publishers

American Chemical Society (ACS): ACS uses brand storytelling to communicate the impact of chemistry on society. Their messaging emphasizes the role that chemistry plays in everything from health and medicine to energy and the environment. By highlighting real-world examples of how chemistry is making a difference, ACS can connect with audiences on an emotional level and showcase the value of their work.

On its LinkedIn page, for instance, it showcases its position as the world’s largest scientific society and a leading source of authoritative scientific information. Its 150,000-strong membership includes chemists and chemical engineers from across globe, who are engaged in “evolving chemistry enterprise.” On its Facebook page, it pithily states its role as “One of the world’s largest scientific societies and a leading source of authoritative scientific info.”

American Psychological Association (APA): APA’s brand storytelling focuses on the power of psychology to improve people’s lives. Their messaging emphasizes the role that psychologists play in addressing social issues like mental health, education, and diversity. By highlighting the positive impact that psychology can have on society, APA positions itself as a trusted authority on these issues and attract new members and partners. On its LinkedIn and Facebook pages, APA’s mission to advance the creation, communication, and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people’s lives is well showcased.

These are just a few examples demonstrating how academic societies use brand storytelling to communicate their mission, values, and impact to a broader audience. While not entirely a brand storytelling example, and not even by a research society, Springer’s storytelling initiative Springer Storytellers has some valuable takeaways for research societies to build on. This involves events where personal stories narrated by researchers in front of a live audience. The stories are made available as podcasts or written posts on a website beforetheabstract.com, freely accessible to the public.

To wrap up

Brand storytelling involves sharing the narrative behind a brand and its significance consistently across all communication. It is a powerful tool that can help academic societies build strong relationships with their members and audience, establish their unique identity, and create a competitive advantage in the academic landscape. By highlighting the emotional and practical significance of their work, academic societies can build stronger connections with stakeholders and even inspire young people to pursue careers in these fields.

The post <strong>The Importance of Storytelling in Brand Building for Research Societies</strong> appeared first on CACTUS.

Open access (OA) is particularly powerful in transferring knowledge from lab to clinic in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Therefore, in order to support the advancement of global health and keep the world safe, academic publishers and journals must prioritize and facilitate OA to research articles and data and thus contribute to a more equitable global health landscape. This article provides an overview of how OA publishing contributes to global health, and discusses solutions to two key challenges that publishers face with respect to OA health-related publications: diversity and accessibility.

See also: Geographical Differences in Open Access Ecosystems: Implications for Research Societies and Publishers

How OA publishing contributes to global health

By reducing digital, technological, and knowledge barriers, OA publishing can buttress global health in a number of ways.

1. OA publishing improves health outcomes

Clinicians who cannot afford to access subscription-based journals struggle to source up-to-date clinical information locked behind paywalls. OA publishing allows clinicians and healthcare providers around the world to freely access important case reports and research findings and apply those findings to practice. This greater accessibility can help improve global health manifold.

• OA publishing facilitates collaboration

Intellectual property barriers and data secrecy stand in the way of progress in treatment development. When research findings are freely available, it becomes easier for researchers from different countries to build on each other’s work, share data, and collaborate on new projects, eventually accelerating clinical research and improving health outcomes universally.

• OA publishing allows faster dissemination of information

Research published in OA journals can be accessed and shared more quickly than research published in traditional subscription-based journals. This is especially important in the context of global health emergencies, where timely access to information is essential to inform public health policies and interventions.

• OA journals empower communities

OA publishing can empower communities by giving them access to scientific literature that can help them make informed decisions about their health. This is critical in LMICs, where access to healthcare resources is limited.

• OA publishing avoids redundant efforts

When researchers work in silos, without sharing research objectives, methods, and findings at early stages of projects, it may lead to unintentional duplication of research. Open practices minimize redundant research efforts and avoid the wastage of time and resources.

See also: Open Access and Climate Research: Transformations in the Publication Landscape Over Time

Representing diverse perspectives in OA publications on global health

Promoting representativeness in OA publications on global health requires active effort and engagement from publishers. By implementing the following strategies, publishers can help promote equity, ensure that diverse perspectives are represented, and help improve health outcomes.

1. Encouraging submissions from diverse regions

OA publishers can actively seek submissions from researchers from LMICs and non–English-speaking countries through targeted outreach efforts or collaborations with local institutions.

• Supporting translation efforts

OA publishers can offer translation services to ensure that articles from non–English-speaking countries are translated into English. This can make research from diverse regions and populations more accessible and bridge language barriers.

• Having a diverse and representative editorial board

A diverse editorial board, representative of different regions, languages, populations, and genders, ensures that articles are reviewed and published while taking into account the needs and perspectives of different communities. The use of culturally appropriate language and terminology will make publications relevant to different populations, resonating with diverse needs and values.

See also: Open Access and Gender Equity in Academia

Making healthcare information truly accessible to global audiences

To ensure that global health research is made accessible to global audiences with varying internet bandwidths and English capabilities, OA publishers can consider the following five strategies:

1. Providing multiple formats

OA publishers can provide research articles in multiple formats, such as HTML and PDF, to accommodate different internet bandwidths and device capabilities. This allows readers to access content in a format that works best for them.

• Offering translations

OA publishers can offer translations of research articles into multiple languages to ensure that readers with varying English capabilities can access the content. Publishers can also encourage authors to provide translations of key findings or abstracts in multiple languages.

• Using plain language summaries and data visualizations

Plain language summaries and data visualizations make research findings more accessible to readers with varying English capabilities. If OA publishers include such elements, key findings can be communicated clearly and effectively; readers can explore the data and findings even if they may not be able to fully understand the article in English.

• Optimizing for low bandwidth and for mobile devices

OA publishers should optimize their websites for low bandwidth connections by minimizing the use of large images, videos, and other data-heavy elements. The websites should also be made smartphone-friendly so that the vast population that seeks healthcare information can do so without a laptop or desktop. Information should be optimized for easy reading on smaller screens, should load fast, and be easy to navigate and interact with.

• Partnering with local organizations

OA publishers can partner with local organizations to promote their content and ensure that it reaches audiences far and wide. This can be done by collaborating with local universities, research institutions, and advocacy organizations.

Final notes

The inability to access and publish clinical research is one of the major reasons for global health inequity. OA publishing can play an important role in advancing global health by increasing accessibility to scientific literature, facilitating collaboration, and accelerating the dissemination of information. Fortunately, there is a growing movement for promoting OA for publications resulting from publicly funded research. National and institutional OA requirements are also contributing to this push for OA. Patient advocates, researchers, publishers, funders, and policymakers need to work together in advocating for the role of OA in healthcare research. There are numerous ways by which journals and academic publishers can support and maximize OA, thereby contributing to equitable global health for all.

The post <strong>Unlocking the Potential of Open Access: A Publisher’s Roadmap for Advancing Global Health Research</strong> appeared first on CACTUS.

Preprints have a long history in the physical sciences. The first modern-day preprint server, arXiv, was launched in 1991 by Cornell physicist Paul Ginsparg. arXiv allowed researchers in the field of high-energy particle physics to upload, search, and retrieve preprints in one central online location. arXiv now hosts preprints in physics, mathematics, computer science, and more. Other fields have followed suit, and a variety of field-specific preprint servers have been introduced, such as BioRxiv for biological sciences, medRxiv for medical sciences, PsyArXiv for psychological sciences, and SocArXiv for social sciences.

The growing importance of preprints in the biomedical sciences

In recent years, preprints have become increasingly popular in the biomedical literature for several reasons. These are as follows:

1. Rapid scientific communication and effective collaboration in health crises

In the COVID-19 pandemic, preprints were extremely important because they allowed for the rapid dissemination of pertinent findings to the scientific community and the general public. This was particularly crucial when scientists were working quickly to understand the new virus and develop strategies to combat it. Preprints were also instrumental in facilitating collaboration among scientists and enabling them to build on each other’s work.

As we have been told time and again, the frequency of pandemics might increase in coming years. Rapid information facilitated by preprints will continue to play an important role in faster discovery and development of effective prophylaxis and treatments.

2. Wider reach of the latest in biomedical advances

Unlike traditional journal articles, which are often behind paywalls or require a subscription to access, preprints are freely available to anyone with an internet connection. Therefore, preprints promote wide accessibility to the latest advances in biomedical research, including laypersons and media professionals, who do not have access to paywalled articles.

3. Early feedback and detection of potential flaws or misconduct

By sharing research findings as preprints, scientists can disseminate their work faster and get valuable feedback from the scientific community before the research is formally published. Such openness and early sharing allow for a wider swath of researchers to scrutinize the work and identify potential problems with the study, including misconduct.

Why journals and publishers need to embrace preprints

Being preprint-friendly is a good way for journals and publishers to demonstrate their commitment to open science and transparency, accelerate the dissemination of scientific knowledge, and strengthen their brand and relevance within the scientific community.

Here are some advantages that journals and publishers can reap from being preprint-friendly:

• Increased visibility boosts the brand

Preprints are freely and openly accessible—characteristics conducive to a wide reach and high visibility. Further, the priority of publication in this manner leads to early attention, feedback, and citation, all of which mean increased visibility. This benefits the author and the journal that hosts the preprint and the final article.

• Better credibility means better reputation

By being preprint-friendly, journals and publishers demonstrate that they are committed to promoting open science and advancing scientific progress. They show that they recognize the value of preprints in promoting transparency and accelerating the dissemination of scientific knowledge.

• Compliance with important legislations adds value

Several important legislations and funder mandates related to preprints aim to promote open access and accelerate the dissemination of research findings:

Plan S: This initiative requires that all research articles funded by participating organizations must be made immediately available in an open-access repository, including preprints.

NIH Public Access Policy: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) requires that all peer-reviewed articles resulting from NIH-funded research be made publicly available within 12 months of publication. The policy also allows for the inclusion of preprints in grant applications and progress reports.

NIH Preprint Pilot: The NIH launched a preprint pilot program (Phase I) in June 2020, which focused on COVID-related research. This pilot is now set to be extended to include non-COVID related preprints, starting from January 2023.

Wellcome Trust Open Access Policy: All peer-reviewed articles resulting from Wellcome-funded research are be made open access immediately upon publication. The policy also encourages the use of preprints to disseminate research findings quickly.

If a publisher encourages preprints and incorporates them in their functioning, it will attest to their commitment to these policies and frameworks. Authors will want to choose target journals that are compatible with OA mandates and funder requirements.

Savvy publishers are investing in preprint servers

Thus far, preprint servers catered to a field or set of fields. But this is changing rapidly. Recent years are seeing major publishers invest in preprint platforms or develop their versions of such repositories, as described below.

Springer Nature’s In Review service

Springer Nature is one of the investors in Research Square, a rapidly growing preprint platform. Besides this, Springer Nature has also launched an initiative to host preprints of the manuscripts submitted to some of its titles in an “In Review” preprint service. Here, authors have the option to have their paper posted online at submission. Even if the manuscript is not accepted for publication, the associated preprint stays on the platform, albeit free of journal branding.

Wiley’s Under Review service

On the lines of Springer Nature’s In Review, Wiley has an “Under Review” service that allows authors to deposit their manuscript as a preprint while it is under review. Its scope is constantly expanding, and a sizeable fraction of submissions to certain Wiley journals are being uploaded as preprints in the Under Review model.

Wolters Kluwer’s Lippincott® Preprints

Lippincott® Preprints is a platform that enables researchers working in the fields of medicine, nursing, and allied health fields to share their work online for free. After being approved, these preprints become accessible to the research community online. The platform also has a monitored commenting feature to encourage discussion and collaboration. Lippincott® Preprints supports the principles of open science and aligns with Wolters Kluwer’s goal of sharing research globally.

By integrating preprint submissions into their manuscript submission workflows, publishers can secure their foothold in this domain.

Conclusion

Preprints allow research to be more accessible, accelerating the pace of scientific discovery. They also enable open discussions and early feedback, leading to more rigorous and robust research outcomes. Going “pro-preprint” can also help journals and publishers move closer to achieving their business goals, because the benefits translate into better recognition and therefore higher engagement from stakeholders, which means increased revenue for the publisher.

The post <strong>The Rise of Preprints in the Biomedical Sciences: Implications for Research Publishers</strong> appeared first on CACTUS.

Mind the (gender) gap!

The participation of women in science is steadily growing, but not without gender disparities in authorship, impact, and citations. The scenario in the social sciences and humanities is not very different. A recent study in Vietnam showed that while authorship of publications during 2008–2019 by Vietnamese women increased appreciably, the number of women as first authors remained lower than that of men. Further, despite comparable annual rates of publishing for men and women, differences in publishing career lengths and dropout rates have been found to lower the productivity and impact of female authors.

Could open access (OA) publishing offer a way to increase the participation and impact of female researchers?

How OA publishing can help close the gender gap

Open science and OA are crucial to promote transparency and accountability in academic research. OA allows for greater accessibility to research findings and can lead to more rapid advancements in various fields. OA might also hold the key to offer opportunities that can speed up the closing of the gender gap in academia. Here are some ways this could happen:

Increased visibility, impact, and productivity: OA publishing makes research available to a wider audience, including individuals without access to subscription-based journals. This can increase the visibility of female researchers and their work. In the same vein, OA publishing might increase their chances of being cited. With appropriate supporting systems and funding, OA publishing has even been shown to increase the productivity (broadly, the number of papers, books, and citations) of female researchers.

Career advancement: This OA-enabled high visibility and productivity can help female researchers receive more recognition for their work, improving their chances of career progression, promotions, and securing funding.

Access to funding and collaborations: Funding agencies are increasingly requiring that research be made freely available to the public. OA publishing can help female researchers secure funding from reputed granting bodies for their work. Similarly, OA publishing may also herald opportunities for collaboration, thereby creating gender diverse research teams.

Encouraging women researchers to choose OA

It is rather startling to note the reported negative association between female authorship and the likelihood to publish OA. Various inequalities might be limiting the ability of women to make the most of publishing OA. For example, there might be gender differences in income and the amount of scientific funding received. This gender gap in income might restrict female researchers to subscription-based journals their institute has access to.

It is clear that steps must be taken to encourage women to publish their research OA. Here are some possible ways to usher in such changes:

Awareness campaigns: Raising awareness of the benefits of OA publishing can encourage more women to consider publishing their work in this manner.

Funding support: Providing funding support to cover the costs associated with OA publishing, such as article processing charges (APCs), can make it more accessible for women who may otherwise be unable to afford it. Needless to say, gender pay gaps should not exist!

Mentorship and networking: Opportunities should be provided to women to connect with experienced authors who have published OA, who can offer guidance on OA publishing processes and nuances. A huge hurdle faced is the high APC of OA publishing, particularly for researchers from low- and middle-income countries. Collaboration with researchers from higher income countries can help offset the financial burden.

Incentives: Discounted or waived APCs or special recognition for OA publication can encourage more women to consider publishing their work OA.

Representation: Ensuring that women are represented in editorial positions and on the boards of OA journals can help to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for women who wish to publish their research in this way.

Conclusion

OA publishing can play a role in promoting gender equity by increasing the visibility and recognition of female researchers, providing opportunities for career advancement and funding. Both OA and gender equity in academia are important for advancing knowledge and promoting fairness and equality in the academic community. It is important to recognize the need for the open science movement alongside gender diversity inclusion. While OA can help achieve gender parity in research, the converse also holds true: a truly gender diverse publication landscape will add impetus to the OA movement!

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