Dilemmas in biomedical research publication: are we losing the plot?

Some recent and very controversial developments in the sphere of scientific publication, with significant implications for biomedical research, are posing a significant threat to traditional publication models. Many of these developments appear to be the result of a vicious circle that has developed from publication pressure on researchers, corporate financial exploitation of those pressures, and an apparent perception that individual and institutional reputations are to be promoted at all cost.

The detrimental effects of these developments have led to a groundswell of academic discontent and a 'researcher uprising' that may result in precipitous changes.

In many different respects, biomedical research publication is now in an unprecedented state of flux. Traditional models are being strongly challenged, probably with good reason, and alternative models of both funding and delivery need to be settled upon with some urgency. While individuals, institutions and corporate bodies who resist the current evolution may find themselves in line for extinction, at the same time it is important for the entire 'industry' to revert to some more traditional values and not allow self-interest to prevail.