BJP is changing its requirements for scientific papers to increase transparency

Abstract

BJP is changing its procedures for the submission of articles so that authors can optimize transparency and experimental design. This relates to current moves to strengthen the robustness of the basic research that underpins drug discovery and therapeutics. To this end we are publishing new Instructions to Authors (ITA). Some are already in place and take immediate effect while others will be introduced over the next few months. Emphasis is placed on gathering essential information that authors often forget to include; this will also facilitate peer‐review by hard‐pressed reviewers. We have been in discussion with the Editors of other Pharmacology journals and plan that similar changes will be taking place across the sector. This will ensure that the various generic guidelines are more clearly specified for pharmacology. The major changes will be supported by three editorials: In order to link published work to the growing network of databases we are introducing hyperlinks to drug targets and key drugs in the authoritative Guide to PHARMACOLOGY database of the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, which is now produced with the support of BPS. This is then further linked to other biological and chemical databases, placing the work first in a pharmacological then in a broader scientific context. (McGrath et al., 2015a). We have assessed the implementation of the 2010 ARRIVE guidelines for reporting experiments involving animals and respond by significantly strengthening our requirements, especially relating to disclosure of information, rather than urging compliance with respect to every conceivable issue (McGrath & Lilley, 2015). As an international journal we believe that this must be done on a worldwide basis, taking account of differing practices but adhering to one ethical standard (McGrath et al., 2015b). Inadequacy of experimental design and statistical validity of analysis of drug‐related research that underpins the discovery of new medicines has attracted recent criticism. We will publish new guidance for reporting statistical analysis and experimental design (Curtis et al., 2015). Linked Editorials This Editorial is part of a series. To view the other Editorials in this series, visit: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12956/abstract and http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1476‐5381

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