This week, we learn about a new data and code sharing mandate at the BMJ. We read suggestions for how to make research data open, transparent and accessible, and we read a reflection on Jisc’s review of transitional agreements. We also learn about an attempt to categorize OA business models, and we highlight an upcoming webinar exploring the financial sustainability of the diamond OA model. Finally, we signpost an ASAPbio lunch-and-learn webinar and the EMWA Spring Conference.
To read:
New BMJ data and code sharing mandate via BMJ | 3-minute read
The BMJ has introduced a new data and code sharing mandate to enhance the transparency and scrutiny of the medical research it publishes. From 1 May 2024, trial data relevant to manuscript submissions must be made available via a public repository before publication. Any relevant analytical code must be submitted as a supplementary file for publication alongside the main article. More information about the policy – including acceptable data repositories – can be found on the BMJ resources for authors page.
Open data: contributing to transparent and accessible research via Times Higher Education | 4-minute read
“Making data open access is a fundamental step in advancing research and promoting not just domestic but global collaboration” says Jonathan Petters (Associate Director of Data Management and Curation Services at Virginia Tech). In this article, Jonathan guides researchers through practical steps towards making their research data open, transparent and accessible. Jonathan’s advice includes using FAIR data principles, developing clear and concise data access statements, and applying appropriate reuse licences.
Can transitional agreements change the culture of OA? via WONKHE | 4-minute read
Earlier this year, Jisc released its Critical review of open access and transitional agreements. The report found that, at the current rate of change, the transition to open access (OA) could take some publishers 70 years to complete. In this comment, Libby Homer (Director of Student and Library Services at Anglia Ruskin University) reflects on the key takeaways of the Jisc review and questions whether transitional agreements are enough to change the publishing culture in favour of OA.
Categorizing OA business models via The Scholarly Kitchen | 6-minute read
Confused by the plethora of OA business models? In this post, Tasha Mellins-Cohen (Executive Director at COUNTER and Founder of Mellins-Cohen Consulting) explains her system for classifying OA business models. By breaking down OA business models into their component attributes, Tasha has identified four ‘broad’ and three ‘alternative’ categories to help publishers select the best approach for their journals.
To engage with:
Funding diamond OA via SPARC Europe
Led by a consortium of 24 European publishing and scholarly communications organizations, the DIAMAS project (Developing Institutional OA Publishing Models to Advance Scholarly Communication) aims to map the landscape of diamond OA publishing in Europe. This free webinar, which takes place on 2 April, will explore the latest findings from DIAMAS on the financial sustainability of the diamond OA model.
A brief history of scientific publishing: the influence of Robert Maxwell via ASAPbio
What did scholarly publishing look like before the 20th century, and how did one man influence the current model? This lunch-and-learn webinar from ASAPbio will explore the role of Robert Maxwell – media mogul, publisher and member of UK Parliament – in the development of a for-profit scholarly publishing system. Registration for this event is free.
EMWA Spring Conference via European Medical Writers Association
Registration is open for the 57th European Medical Writers Association (EMWA) Spring Conference! Taking place in Valencia, Spain, from 7 to 11 May, the conference will feature face-to-face training workshops, seminars, poster presentations and networking opportunities for medical writers at all career stages.
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