Last week, Team CACTUS was at SSP 2025 and what a ride it was. From thought-provoking sessions to full-throttle booth energy, we brought our ideas, our people and a few hundred tote bags to Baltimore. And the result? One of our most rewarding SSP’s yet.

Our booth became a bit of a landmark over the three days. Whether it was the spin-the-wheel that kept spirits high, the chocolates that kept everyone going or the Frustration Wall that turned publishing pain points into real, honest conversations. Expectations were high, but we came prepared with a team that was ready to listen, connect and share.

Day One: Conversations That Mattered

The conference kicked off with energy and intention. We reconnected with familiar faces, met new ones and found ourselves in conversations that cut through the noise. Our Head of Sales & Business Development, Chirag Jay Patel, had his first session — Revolutionizing Scholarly Publishing. He was a crowd-puller, diving deep into how CACTUS AI tools are already reshaping editorial workflows. From navigating the AI frontier to building robust governance frameworks, the session laid out not just a vision, but a viable path forward for publishers, authors and reviewers.

The larger conversation on Day One reflected many of these same themes. As innovation accelerates, one point was made clear again and again: integrity is no longer optional, it is foundational. Trust is the currency of science and preserving it means blending human judgment with responsible, transparent technology. Another key message? AI is not the enemy. When paired with oversight and intent, it becomes a force for relevance, efficiency and ethical progress.

Day Two: From Insight to Action

Momentum carried forward into Day Two, where Jay returned for a second session on developing governance policies to support responsible use of AI in scholarly publishing. The response was overwhelmingly positive and the session sparked valuable discussions around real-world implementation.

Day Two also deepened the message that collaboration is now a strategic imperative. In an increasingly complex ecosystem, success isn’t about going solo, it’s about aligning with partners (sometimes even competitors) who are just as committed to moving the industry forward. We also saw clear signals that emerging markets are no longer on the periphery. From India to the Middle East, new players are taking center stage and their voices are reshaping global publishing priorities.

A Silver-Lined Celebration

A major highlight of the week? Team CACTUS brought home two Silver awards at this year’s EPIC Awards.

Digital Media Solutions received a silver in the ‘Narrative/Multidisciplinary Digital Projects’ category for its transformative work on “Open Access Workflows for OA Switchboard” and another for Paperpal, our author tool designed to simplify and strengthen manuscript submissions.

These wins are a recognition of the tangible impact we’re making across Open Access workflows through our digital media solutions and of how Paperpal continues to support authors with smarter, faster and more intuitive writing and submission experiences.

Until Next Time, Baltimore

SSP 2025 wasn’t just about presentations and panels. It was about people and Baltimore brought its charm in full force. From spirited conversations and surprise puppy visits to late-night brainstorming, it was a conference that reminded us why we do what we do.

As we are back home and reflect on the three powerful days, one message lingers:

How will you B’more? 

Whether it’s optimizing editorial workflows, safeguarding research integrity with expert human oversight, or maximizing reach and discoverability, CACTUS is here to help. Contact us to explore how.

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The event will be addressed by Prof. Surendra Ghaskadbi, The President of Indian Society of Cell Biology. Following his opening remarks, the two-hour session will feature two expert-led presentations by seasoned professionals. The first session, Structuring Your Manuscript to Get Published, will be conducted by Hema Thakur, Lead of Skill and Knowledge Management at Editage. Participants will learn how to master the IMRaD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) structure to create manuscripts that will capture the attention of journal editors and reviewers. The session will also cover effective organization of bibliographic references and share insights on how to avoid common structuring mistakes. 

The second presentation, From Draft to Submission: AI Tools for Optimizing the Research Workflow, will be led by Dr. Sunaina Singh, Academic Trainer at Editage. This session will explore the potential of cutting-edge AI tools in streamlining research tasks, from literature reviews to manuscript submission. Attendees will also gain information into leveraging the Editage Plus (All Access) tools while addressing ethical considerations and privacy concerns. 

With over two decades of expertise in the field, Editage has consistently supported the global research community through various initiatives and stays committed to empowering researchers worldwide with required knowledge, tools, and guidance to help them excel in their publication journey.  

The session is free with limited seats! Interested participants can register online at https://shorturl.at/uRdfE 

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Empowering Young Researchers

Editage Grant is designed to bridge gaps in traditional funding frameworks by assisting individuals who often face challenges in securing grants, including those who are unable to get grants due to eligibility restrictions, those pursuing unconventional topics overlooked by traditional funding bodies, or applicants constrained by subject-area biases.

Since its launch in 2012, Editage Grant has supported over 100 researchers. The 2024 edition targeted researchers aged 22–39 years who had not received prior research funding. The program received an overwhelming response, with a record-breaking 360 applications.

A Special Evening for Awardees and Guests

The 2024 award ceremony was held at The Place of Tokyo, an elegant venue located in the heart of the city. The event brought together a diverse group, including grant recipients, judges, applicants, past awardees, researchers active in academia, science policy experts, and science journalists.

For this year’s program, the event format shifted from the mini-symposium held last year to a more networking-focused gathering. The primary aim was to create an environment that encouraged new connections and fostered research collaborations.

No Restrictions, No Reporting

In 2024, Editage Grant awarded JPY 1 million (approximately USD 6300) each to five winners, with an additional JPY 1 million to the top winner, totaling JPY 2 million in funding. The winners of the 2024 Editage Grant program were Natsuko Miyokawa, Valencia Joseph Evangelista, Honoka Ishihara, Kaoru Iwanaga, and Hana Tomoi.

The grant’s standout feature is its flexibility, as recipients are not required to submit reports or follow rigid guidelines on how the funding money is used. While applicants submit a proposed budget during the application process, recipients are allowed to use the funds as they see fit, whether for personal research expenses or even donate to their institutions.

Another unique feature of Editage Grant is its openness to all fields of research. Unlike many corporate or foundation grants that impose restrictions on what disciplines qualify, this program welcomes researchers from across a wide spectrum of areas, making it a truly inclusive private funding initiative.

With this flexible funding model, Editage aims to empower researchers while encouraging other organizations to adopt similar approaches, thus promoting greater innovation and inclusivity in research.

Support from Esteemed Judges

As in previous years, Editage Grant 2024 benefited from the expertise of distinguished judges from academia who evaluated applicants and conducted final interviews with the top 10 candidates. Their professional insights and diverse experiences played a pivotal role in ensuring a fair, transparent, and meticulous selection process.

Judges Panel: 

• Makoto Yuasa (Chief Growth Officer, Research Solutions, Cactus Communications)
• Sayaka Oki (Professor, Graduate School of Education, University of Tokyo)
• Akihiro Kishimura (Associate Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University)
• Motoshi Hayano (Special Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine)
• Yuko Harayama (Professor Emeritus, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University; ISC Fellow)

During the final interviews, applicants presented their research and received constructive feedback and encouragement from the judges. These interactions offered invaluable insights and guidance to strengthen their career as researchers.

As we work towards the next edition, Editage is dedicated to continuing its effort to provide meaningful opportunities and support to researchers for years to come.

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Researchers often face challenges during the early stages of their career, and insufficient financial resources can cause hindrance in achieving their career goals. In 2024, the Editage Grant program was launched in South Korea, and it witnessed enthusiastic participation, with over 370 researchers applying. Submissions were reviewed by a distinguished selection committee comprising faculty members from renowned institutions.

1^st Place:  10 million won to one recipient

Winner: Dohwan Lee​ (topic: Redefining point-of-care diagnostic devices)

2^nd Place: 3 million won each to four recipients

Winners: Joohoon Kim (topic: Mass production and application of meta surfaces), Yongdeok Ahn (topic: Light, electrode and nano), Jongmin Bae (topic: Development of general-purpose AI semiconductors), Yun Lim (topic: TLR4-based colon cancer treatment)

3^rd Place: 1 million won each to five recipients

Winners: Minseop Lee (Topic: Development of sodium battery electrode materials), Minsu Park (topic: low-cost shunt monitoring), Soyeon Won (topic: Controlling inflammation through ectosomes), Yun Ha Hur (topic: Stem cells and tissue regeneration), Soo-Ho Jo (topic: Development of META medical ultrasound technology)

Additionally, participants who submitted completed applications and essays received a one-year subscription to the Editage Plus which gives them access to professional services and AI tools such as graphical abstracts, academic writing support, research and scientific illustration, literature recommendation, and journal search.​

Makoto Yuasa, Chief Growth Officer, Research Solutions, at Cactus Communications, commented, “We are thrilled by the exceptional response to the inaugural edition of the Editage Grant program in South Korea. At CACTUS, we remain committed to supporting young researchers as they navigate the challenges in their academic journey. We look forward to continuing this initiative annually to empower researchers and contribute towards the advancement of the scientific research ecosystem.”

The Editage Grant program is being held in Japan since 2012. The most recent edition in Japan concluded in September 2024. Editage aims to extend the initiative to other geographies.

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The workshop was conducted on 8^th November 2024  as a part of NIT-C’s partnership with Editage Plus, which provides the institute with comprehensive access to Editage’s suite of AI-powered tools and expert services designed to streamline research workflows. Curated specifically for researchers, Editage Plus leverages over two decades of experience in academia to offer cutting-edge AI tools and expert services for end-to-end research support.

The two-hour interactive session highlighted how AI tools can streamline various stages of the research journey, from literature review, manuscript writing and post publication-impact. Attendees received in-depth guidance on selecting the right AI solutions to boost productivity and efficiency in research. The session also addressed key challenges in adopting AI tools such as privacy, reliability, and ethical considerations, ensuring participants gained a holistic view of AI’s role in research.

Commenting on the event’s success, Dr. Smita Jain, Director, Partnerships (India), Cactus Communications said, “At CACTUS, we are dedicated to powering research by providing academics with the right AI tools to simplify and enhance their research journey. We aim to continue collaborating with renowned institutions to deliver insightful workshops and drive knowledge exchange, foster meaningful discussions, spark creativity to generate actionable solutions for challenges faced by the research community.”

Dr. Arun F Adrakatti, Deputy Librarian, NIT Calicut remarked, “Our experience with Editage Plus has been rewarding as its AI tools are highly beneficial for our institution, helping us enhance our research process. The overwhelming response from students and researchers to the workshop reflects the value these AI tools bring to our academic community. We look forward to further leverage the capabilities of Editage Plus to advance the research output at our institution.”

The comprehensive suite of Editage Plus offers a wide range of cutting-edge AI tools and expert services tailored to meet the needs of researchers. The AI tools include Paperpal – AI-powered academic writing assistant, R Discovery – AI literature search tool, Mind The Graph – Scientific Illustration tool. The Expert Services include unlimited re-editing and formatting, two free favorite editor booking, exclusive discounts on Editage services and access to a rich depository of learning material that includes over 100 research skill courses. These holistic offerings are designed to empower researchers to enhance productivity, streamline workflows and achieve publication success.

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Peer Review Week serves as a pivotal opportunity for researchers, publishers, editors, and other stakeholders within the scholarly community to gather, share insights, and recognize the crucial role of peer review in upholding the integrity of scholarly publishing. This year, the event will not only focus on the evolving role of peer review but also highlight future trends led by technology and explore solutions to the challenges faced by various stakeholders in scholarly publishing.

Roohi Ghosh, Ambassador for Researcher Outreach, Engagement, and Success, Cactus Communications, who is co-chairing the Peer Review Week since 2023, said “Peer Review Week 2024 offers us the timely opportunity to take a closer look at the way peer review is evolving in the digital era. Collectively, we must explore methods to leverage the potential of AI to improve and uphold the credibility of the research evaluation procedure. I’m thrilled about this week-long event and it’s great that once again we are partnering with EASE (European Association of Science Editors) to bring a variety of viewpoints, voices, opinions, and experiences on this year’s theme.”

Bahar Mehmani, Reviewer Experience Lead at Elsevier, EASE Vice-President and member of the EASE Peer Review Committee, said “I am delighted that EASE is partnering with Editage again this year. I have a long association with Peer Review Week, having been part of the founding Committee, past chair and involved every year since. The initiative has gone from strength to strength and provides an essential forum for the community to come together to discuss ongoing trends.”

Editage, in collaboration with EASE, will host a series of activities, including a live panel discussion on the topic “Envisioning a Hybrid Model of Peer Review: Integrating AI with Reviewers, Publishers & Authors”. Panellists Dr. Serge Horbach, Marie McVeigh, and Dr. Haseeb Irfanullah will share their perspectives on the topic and respond to participants’ questions.

The event will also feature interviews with well-known industry professionals Dr. Gareth Dyke, Dr. Maria Machado, and Maryam Sayab. In addition, a China-focused Ask-Me-Anything session will be hosted and a podcast titled “Navigating Peer Review: Insights with Joan Marsh, Editor-in-Chief, The Lancet Psychiatry” will be released.

Through this collaboration and interactive sessions, Editage aims engage with key stakeholders in the scholarly publishing community.

For more information and registration, please visit: Peer Review Week 2024 Registrations | Editage

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To establish a strong and cohesive employer brand, in 2023, CACTUS conducted extensive research, including employee surveys, focus groups, and market analysis, to understand the key attributes that employees valued. With a comprehensive Employee Value Proposition (EVP) in place, CACTUS focused on internal alignment through communication campaigns, brand workshops, training sessions, and the distribution of brand guidelines. By engaging employees as brand ambassadors, the internal culture was aligned with the external brand promise. Concurrently, targeted external campaigns enhanced CACTUS’s presence on social media and across recruitment touchpoints.

CACTUS’s transformational journey in employer branding reflects its commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. The organization with its strong and compelling employer brand tagline ‘Powering Research, Empowering People’ encapsulates its commitment to customer, inclusivity, and professional growth, providing a clear and compelling narrative for prospective employees. The employer brand has not only enhanced the organization’s talent acquisition and retention efforts but has also positioned CACTUS as an employer of choice in the industry.

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As an organization at the forefront of powering research and empowering its people, CACTUS dismantles obstacles of time, geography, and diversity through its ‘Accelerate from Anywhere’ practice, encouraging team members to excel from any location globally. The company’s culture thrives on empowering women, with 56% of its workforce and 57% of managerial positions held by women, and an impressive 90% of women rejoining after maternity leave. This showcases CACTUS’s commitment to a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Additionally, in its quest of staying ahead of its time, CACTUS integrates advanced AI and ML technologies throughout the research lifecycle, developing solutions such as personalized research feeds, AI-powered academic writing tools, and integrated research platforms to enhance its service portfolio. This agility has allowed the organization to propel in its business and cultural pursuits.

Yashmi Pujara, Chief Human Resources Officer, Cactus Communications, said, “Empowering our people to accelerate from anywhere with a remote first model, enabling them to embrace new technology while curating thoughtful in-person experiences —it’s the cornerstone of our future ready organisation. The synergy between AI and human expertise cultivates a culture of excellence and innovation.”

The felicitation event was held on 24^th July at the Quorum Club in Mumbai. The exclusive evening celebrated featured organizations, shared key insights, and fostered dialogue among the CXO community.

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There has been a notable governmental emphasis on upskilling efforts, particularly in the field of science writing. For CACTUS, collaborating with esteemed educational partners like the Institute of Science, BHU represented a pivotal step towards introducing structured training sessions to university campuses. The partnership aimed at bridging the learning and skilling gap by empowering the PhD scholars and post docs with the required nuances of scientific writing.

Abhishek Goel, Co-Founder & CEO, Cactus Communications stated, “At CACTUS, we firmly believe that closing the learning and skill gap among researchers will be instrumental in positioning India prominently on the global research stage. Our aim is to provide continuous training and upskilling initiatives customized for students, postdocs, emerging scientists, and researchers. BHU’s initiative in facilitating structured training sessions for their students aligns perfectly with our mission of empowering individuals to unlock their full potential. We are thrilled to collaborate with BHU, recognizing their proactive approach in enhancing the skill sets of their students.”

The two day workshop was conducted on 25^th and 26^th April at Institute of Science, BHU, by professional experts from CACTUS. It covered various aspects of scientific writing, including research paper structure, effective communication of research findings, manuscript preparation, and publication strategies. Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, PhD scholars and post docs were provided with hands-on experience and guidance to augment their scientific writing skills.

Cactus Communications firmly supports the consistent hosting of skilling workshops across academic institutions, advocating for broader access to skill-building opportunities in science communication. The firm’s commitment to excellence, along with extensive experience in supporting researchers, positions it as the ideal collaborator for academic institutions seeking to improve their students’ skills in science communication and technical writing.

Here are some of the participant testimonials sharing their experience of attending the workshop.

• It was a wholesome experience for me. I got to learn many nitty gritties of scientific writing from the very best experts in this field…She (Dr. Shilpi) taught us about the power of science communication and how much important it is. She also taught us about how to write popular science article which can entertain people even from non scientific background. She also made us aware about the importance of social media while communicating our science and the impact it has on our research…Dr. Smita’s session on “navigating career choices” made a huge impact on the way I used to perceive many things such as career, self reflection and self confidence.
• The importance of revising/learning grammar and practicing writing regularly was stressed. They also shared tips to navigate through a writer’s block and how to manage time. Besides the traditional approaches, the speakers also touched upon the correct usage of AI and several other online tools. The technological advancements are not the replacement of traditional knowledge but only an assistance was reiterated in all the lectures…Jazz hands for all the speakers
• A huge thanks  and jazz hands to organiser of this workshop as it was an eye opener or self realization of our common mistakes that I had done in the past and we got the solution of same. From the lectures our esteemed presenters and the senior professors, our knowledge  has raise in terms of writing paper (prephase), writing of discussion, use of AI tools, press report writing and ethics of the same…We like to thank the cactus also for sending their trainers here

Kudos to the entire team for successful collaboration with BHU, an institute of eminence!

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This remarkable ascent from 14th place underscores our commitment to reshaping the future of remote work. In a dynamic job market, CACTUS stands as a beacon of success, cultivating a flexible and empowering work environment. FlexJobs compiled this list after analyzing over 60,000 companies’ remote job postings throughout 2023.

Remote employment remains the preferred choice for professionals, transcending from a trend to become a lifestyle that seamlessly integrates work with personal commitments. CACTUS embraced this shift early on, transitioning to 100% work-from-home in 2022.

Join us in celebrating this milestone as we continue to lead in remote work excellence. Explore the abundant opportunities waiting for you at CACTUS, where innovation and success converge. For open roles, visit jobs.cactusglobal.com/jobs.

#CACTUSCelebrates #RemoteWorkLeader #PoweringResearchEmpoweringPeople

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