5 March 2024 | Elizabeth Loder, Helen Macdonald, Theodora Bloom, Kamran Abbasi
The BMJ has introduced a new policy requiring authors to share analytic codes and data from all studies and trials published in the journal. This policy aims to enhance transparency and reproducibility in medical research. Since 2013, the journal has required authors of drug and device trials to share relevant trial data upon reasonable request, but compliance has been low. From May 1, 2024, the policy will be extended to all submitted trials, requiring authors to post relevant trial data in a publicly accessible repository like Vivli before publication. Additionally, authors must submit relevant analytical code in a supplementary file. The BMJ plans to broaden this policy to non-trial research in the future. Other journals, such as Springer Nature, are also moving towards similar policies. The BMJ emphasizes the importance of putting the public good ahead of personal, academic, and corporate interests.The BMJ has introduced a new policy requiring authors to share analytic codes and data from all studies and trials published in the journal. This policy aims to enhance transparency and reproducibility in medical research. Since 2013, the journal has required authors of drug and device trials to share relevant trial data upon reasonable request, but compliance has been low. From May 1, 2024, the policy will be extended to all submitted trials, requiring authors to post relevant trial data in a publicly accessible repository like Vivli before publication. Additionally, authors must submit relevant analytical code in a supplementary file. The BMJ plans to broaden this policy to non-trial research in the future. Other journals, such as Springer Nature, are also moving towards similar policies. The BMJ emphasizes the importance of putting the public good ahead of personal, academic, and corporate interests.