High-quality scientific publication depends not only on rigorous research but also on equitable editorial practices. This includes ensuring that researchers from all backgrounds have access to the publishing process and that published findings are presented accurately, transparently, and reliably.
A coalition of leading journals—including American Pediatrics, Health Affairs, JAMA, The Lancet, and AJPH— supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, formed a working group to develop guidance for improving editorial processes and advancing diversity of thought in scientific publishing.
The Guidance for Ensuring Quality in Scientific Publication Through Inclusivity and Transparency (EQSPI) outlines key practices that journals can adopt or adapt based on their unique capacities (see the Appendix, available as a supplement to the online version of this article at http://www.ajph.org). Recognizing that journals vary in size, funding, and staffing, EQSPI offers flexible implementation approaches—from small-scale actions to more substantial structural reforms.
Below are the eight core strategies included in the guidance:
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Transparency: Journals are encouraged to openly communicate their editorial standards and decision-making processes. Transparency can be advanced through collecting stakeholder feedback, analyzing review disparities, publishing data on review timelines and acceptance rates, and conducting internal audits aimed at improving the peer review process.
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Organizational operations: Inclusive practices at the organizational level help create a culture that supports high-quality science. This may include appointing an equity officer, offering targeted training on inclusive publishing, consulting external experts, regularly updating terminology, and encouraging authors to apply a health equity lens.
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Data collection and reporting: Collecting demographic data from authors, reviewers, and editors is one option for journals to assess their inclusivity. Journals are encouraged to use privacy-conscious methods to share such data, maintain currency, and adapt collection strategies to meet evolving needs.
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Diversity of authors: Journals are encouraged to work to ensure that their pool of authors reflects the diversity of the field. Supporting junior investigators, exploring new dissemination formats, and actively engaging underrepresented communities are all ways to broaden participation and enrich the literature.
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Diversity of editors: A diverse editorial team brings varied perspectives and strengthens decision-making. Strategies include building representation at all levels, offering fellowships, and using inclusive recruitment practices.
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Diversity of reviewers: A varied reviewer pool strengthens peer review by bringing in different perspectives and reducing potential bias. Journals can track reviewer demographics and ensure that their reviewer community is broad in both background and expertise.
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Inclusive coverage and perspectives: Journals are encouraged to welcome submissions on underrepresented topics and perspectives. This could involve identifying gaps in the literature, supporting nontraditional topics or formats, and using editorials and public messaging to invite new voices.
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Inclusive language: Language matters. Journals can help authors use respectful, inclusive, and precise terminology that reflects diverse human experiences. Guidance, editorial oversight, and regular updates are encouraged to help maintain cultural and academic relevance.
By adopting these strategies, journals can uphold scientific integrity, foster trust, and create a more equitable publishing environment.
Looking ahead, EQSPI will evolve through feedback and collaboration. A dedicated Web site will host updates, register participating journals, and build a learning community committed to continuous improvement. Together, we can move from intention to transformation—strengthening science through transparency, equity, and inclusion.
15 Years Ago
Persistent Psychopathology in the Wake of Civil War: Long-Term Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Nimba County, Liberia
There is ample evidence that there is a substantial burden of psychopathology among those engaged in war—on combatants and civilians alike. . . . Using data from a population-based representative survey in Nimba County, Liberia, combined with a historical analysis, we showed both that the prevalence of PTSD in Nimba County remains high nearly 2 decades after the end of the principal conflict and that the geographical patterns of traumatic event experiences and of PTSD are consistent with the best available information about the path of the violent civil conflict that Nimba County experienced from 1989 to 1990. . . . [I]nterventions in the postconflict era could fruitfully target areas with a history of conflict and that interventions aimed at rebuilding social and physical infrastructure in these areas may be an inextricable part of mental health treatment in these countries.
From AJPH, September 2010, pp. 1745, 1749–1750
16 Years Ago
Water, Conflict, and Hope
Water has been both a source of conflict and a weapon used in conflicts, and water systems have been targets in conflicts started for a wide range of reasons. Water-related disputes often end before obvious ecological and human health consequences emerge, but not always. . . . In a minority of water-related disputes countries have fired weapons, attacked a dam, or engaged in other military actions. Those disputes that threaten to become violent or become violent are often grounded in preexisting and long-standing animosity over differences in religion, ethnicity, race, or lifestyle. . . . At this time, water in the Middle East, such as the Jordan River Basin, is probably the most threatening to public health, environmental, and economic stability.
From AJPH, November 2009, pp. 1928–1930
Biography
