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Unpublished research is unethical and a waste of invested resources, scientific experience, including patients who were exposed to potential risks.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

References

SAMW – see in particular handbook

  • Reseach with Human subjects. Chapter 11 Publication of study results
Abbreviations
  • CTU – Clinical Trials Unit
  • SAMW - Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences
  • SP – Scientific Publication
Completion ↦ Management ↦ Publishing ↦ Scientific Publications
Study
Basic

Provides some background knowledge and basic definitions

Basic Protocol
Basic Statistics
Basic Monitoring
Basic Drug or Device
Basic Biobanking
Concept

Starts with a study idea

Ends after having assessed and evaluated study feasibility

Concept Protocol
Concept Statistics
Concept Drug or Device
Concept Biobanking
Development

Starts with confidence that the study is feasible

Ends after having received ethics and regulatory approval

Development Protocol
Development Statistics
Development Drug or Device
Development Biobanking
Set-Up

Starts with ethics and regulatory approval

Ends after successful study initiation

Set-Up Protocol
Set-Up Ethics and Laws
Set-Up Statistics
Set-Up Quality and Risk
Set-Up Drug or Device
Set-Up Biobanking
Conduct

Starts with participant recruitment

Ends after the last participant has completed the last study visit

Conduct Protocol
Conduct Statistics
Conduct Drug or Device
Conduct Biobanking
Completion

Starts with last study visit completed

Ends after study publication and archiving

Completion Protocol
Completion Statistics
Completion Drug or Device
Completion Biobanking
Current Path (click to copy): Completion ↦ Management ↦ Publishing ↦ Scientific Publications

Please note: the Easy-GCS tool is currently under construction.