Article type
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Abstract
Background: Scientific editors play a key role in the assessment, acceptance, and dissemination of high quality reports of medical research. However, as a group they are generally not well educated in their position. This may be, in part, due to a lack of evidence of what makes a good scientific editor or how to train them properly. The result is that there are no standard criteria for determining one’s suitability for the position or training needs; in short, we don’t know what competencies are essential for effective scientific editing.
Objective: The objective of this project is to develop a globally accepted minimum set of core competencies for scientific editors (i.e. those responsible and accountable for selecting the scientific content of a peer-reviewed biomedical journal), including Cochrane editors.
Methods: Phase 1 involves searching published and unpublished literature for information relating to competencies of scientific editors; the output will be a scoping review. Phase 2 consists of a training needs assessment to ascertain the needs of scientific editors from diverse regions and varying journal types and sizes. Phase 3 is a Delphi process open to all scientific editors globally; the output will be a list of competencies deemed important for performing the role of scientific editor. Phase 4 features a consensus meeting to achieve agreement on a minimum set of competencies for scientific editors. Phase 5 involves the development of a globally accessible curriculum, training modules, and certification program.
Discussion: We will provide an update on our progress and will share available results from the first three project phases. The goal of the project is to provide enhanced credibility and consistency to the role of scientific editor across the spectrum of biomedical journals. Funded in part by the Cochrane Central Executive as a high priority issue, the project is international in scope and includes several key stakeholder groups, such as the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME), the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), and Cochrane.
Objective: The objective of this project is to develop a globally accepted minimum set of core competencies for scientific editors (i.e. those responsible and accountable for selecting the scientific content of a peer-reviewed biomedical journal), including Cochrane editors.
Methods: Phase 1 involves searching published and unpublished literature for information relating to competencies of scientific editors; the output will be a scoping review. Phase 2 consists of a training needs assessment to ascertain the needs of scientific editors from diverse regions and varying journal types and sizes. Phase 3 is a Delphi process open to all scientific editors globally; the output will be a list of competencies deemed important for performing the role of scientific editor. Phase 4 features a consensus meeting to achieve agreement on a minimum set of competencies for scientific editors. Phase 5 involves the development of a globally accessible curriculum, training modules, and certification program.
Discussion: We will provide an update on our progress and will share available results from the first three project phases. The goal of the project is to provide enhanced credibility and consistency to the role of scientific editor across the spectrum of biomedical journals. Funded in part by the Cochrane Central Executive as a high priority issue, the project is international in scope and includes several key stakeholder groups, such as the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME), the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), and Cochrane.