"Exploring India’s Research Landscape: Insights from PubliCon 2023 Panel on Scholarly Publishing and Global Impact"

Reflecting on my participation as a panelist at PubliCon 2023, organized by FICCI, where we delved into the critical topic of the "Role of Scholarly and Scientific Publishing in India’s Global Research Output." It was an honor to share the stage with esteemed co-panelists and to be guided by the insightful moderation of Ms. Remya Haridasan, Scientist 'D', Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

During the session, we explored diverse facets of research publication and its impact, particularly in light of the upcoming "One Nation One Subscription" initiative set to launch from Jan 1, 2024. I had the privilege of presenting three key points that I believe are crucial for enhancing the quality and reach of India's research output:

Firstly, the staggering estimate that globally, approximately 85% of health research might be avoidably "wasted," as discussed in the influential blog published under The BMJ opinion. This waste stems from various factors, including incomplete publication, lack of clarity, and missed opportunities to learn from past research. I believe that concerted efforts, such as those led by the REWARD Alliance, can help us reclaim and enhance the value of our research.

Secondly, the intriguing contrast in India's medical research landscape, as revealed by a report covering the period 2004-2014. While a handful of institutions like All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Christian Medical College, Vellore, etc. shone on the global stage, a significant majority of medical colleges in India saw minimal or no research publications during the same period. This paradox challenges us to strive for more balanced and inclusive research contributions.

Thirdly, our commitment to bridging the gap between research and real-world impact at BMJ. Our new tool, BMJ Impact Analytics, takes a holistic approach by assessing the influence of research on health and social care policy. By tracking citations within policy documents and their subsequent utilization, we aim to catalyze a deeper connection between research and positive change.

Additionally, let's not forget the recent milestone: India's passage of the National Research Foundation bill. This crucial step is expected to provide much-needed funds to state universities, potentially catalyzing a significant enhancement in research output from the country.

Furthermore, as a leading, global, and one of the most trusted medical publishers, BMJ is committed to playing a pivotal role in the "One Nation One Subscription" initiative. We believe that collaboration and open access are key drivers in advancing research and knowledge dissemination, and we're excited to contribute to this transformative endeavor.

In line with Dr. Srinath Reddy's insightful words, I firmly believe that incentivizing quality research is a pivotal step towards elevating medical education and clinical care in India.

I'm immensely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an important dialogue and to be part of initiatives that foster excellence in research and its impact. Let's continue working together to enhance India's global research footprint!

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Remya Haridasan Prof. Raghu Raman Ajit Kumar S. FICCI