StudiesScientific Publishing: Defining the Proper Role of Industry in 2002 The Science Advisory Board's study, "Scientific Publishing: Defining the Proper Role of Industry" examines 1,106 life scientists' opinions about the value of the format and content of 15 top life science publications. Given that more than two-thirds of scientists who participated in the survey receive four or more scientific journals, magazines or newspapers per month, this population was well qualified to express its views on these leading publications. While more than half of these researchers read the publication they consider most useful in their daily work for more than 30 minutes per day, it does not seem to be enough time for 63% of them to stay abreast of new products and services designed to support their area(s) of research. And since time is such a premium for these individuals, almost 40% of them do not read publications that do not closely match their specific interests. Compounding this difficulty of learning about innovations in their field, over half of the scientists do not believe that they even have sufficient access to impartial, non-industrial sources of information about new products and services. However, this skepticism does not translate to the publications that feature this information for only 21% of them think that the publications that accept advertising are biased. Even though scientists principally learn about new products and services through catalogs/direct mail and colleagues, 37% of them do find out about these items through advertisements in professional, peer-reviewed journals. "Scientists rely on advertisements to increase their knowledge about the tools and techniques of their profession," states Dr. Tamara Zemlo, Director of Scientific & Medical Communications at The Science Advisory Board. "However, they are likely to turn to their colleagues and the literature in order to validate this information." In addition, greater than one third of them will also explore the manufacturer's Website in order to learn more about the advertised product or service, suggesting that scientists are often quite receptive to the appropriate mix of promotional and educational materials. To read selected members' comments, please click here. To request information on purchasing the full report, please contact Tamara Zemlo at The Science Advisory Board. [ View Current & Future Studies ] [ View Past Studies ] |
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