What is the PLSP guidance microsite?
Plain language summaries of publications (PLSPs) are standalone articles that translate research into clear, accessible language for a broad range of readers, including non-specialist audiences.
Since their emergence in 2020, the number of PLSPs has grown rapidly. Yet, despite their increasing popularity, there was no universally accepted definition of this article type.
To address this gap, Open Pharma brought together a cross-publisher working group in June 2024. Together, representatives from Open Pharma, Becaris Publishing, Sage and Taylor & Francis worked to:
- review existing PLSP guidance across publishers to identify areas of commonality and difference
- seek convergence on any points of divergence across publisher guidelines
- reach cross-publisher agreement on the principles that underpin PLSPs as a distinct article type.
This microsite is the result of the collaboration. It is a practical, evolving resource designed to support:
- authors and medical writers who are developing PLSPs
- research sponsors who are funding PLSPs
- reviewers and editors who are assessing the quality of PLSPs
- publishers and journals looking to introduce or refine PLSP content.
Explore the content on this page to learn more about how to write, review and publish PLSPs.
Cross-publisher PLSP guidance
Cross-publisher agreement on the defining principles of plain language summaries of publications (PLSPs)
COMING SOON | Download the infographic
A graphical summary of the cross-publisher agreement on PLSPs
COMING SOON | Download the checklist
A printable checklist of required PLSP components
Additional resources
COMING SOON | Publishing guide
Insights from publishers already offering PLSPs to help those thinking of expanding their plain language offering
Downloadable letter templates for authors and publishers requesting permission to produce PLSPs
Meet the contributors
