Completion↦Management↦Publishing↦Scientific Publications
What is it? Why is it important?
The aim of a Scientific Publication (SP) is to publish progresses made in science in a periodical scientific journal, in order to make study results available to the general public and applicable research communities.
Aims of scientific publications are to:
- Report study outcome in a clear, comprehensive, unbiased and honest manner
- Make study findings available to the scientific community and public
- Generate data for further research
In order for the research community to have increased access to comprehensive knowledge, all research results should be published.
Even if:
- No significant research results were provided from the study
- Study results are not accepted by a scientific journal
- The study could not be conducted as planned
- The results of the study are negative
More
All research must be published in national- or international registry. Valuable “lessons learned” should also be communicated.
Unpublished research is unethical and a waste of invested resources, scientific experience, including patients who were exposed to potential risks.
What do I need to do?
For a publication in a scientific journal, clarify:
- Authorship and author positions early on
- That no potential conflict of interest exists from authors or other involved parties
- Costs such as applicable publication fees. If expenses are not already included in the study budget, apply for additional funding
- Selection of scientific journal most appropriate for the research you would like to publish
- Inclusion of applicable experts such as a statistician or medical writer
Preferably publish in quality journals and if possible those with open access, where research results are:
- Available online providing open licenses aimed at promoting reuse
- Free of cost with less copyright restrictions
- Avoid “predator”-journals – which are of poor quality
Where can I get help?
Your local CTU↧ can support you with experienced staff regarding this topic
Basel, Departement Klinische Forschung, CTU, dkf.unibas.ch
Lugano, Clinical Trials Unit, CTU-EOC, www.ctueoc.ch
Bern, Clinical Trials Unit, CTU, www.ctu.unibe.ch
Geneva, Clinical Research Center, CRC, crc.hug.ch
Lausanne, Clinical Research Center, CRC, www.chuv.ch
St. Gallen, Clinical Trials Unit, CTU, www.kssg.ch
Zürich, Clinical Trials Center, CTC, www.usz.ch
References
SAMW – see in particular handbook
- Reseach with Human subjects. Chapter 11 Publication of study results