Reflections on the 2024 ISMTE North American Conference

A Deep Dive into the Challenges and Opportunities in Scholarly Publishing

The ISMTE North America Conference 2024

The ISMTE (International Society for Managing and Technical Editors), a 17-year-old organization founded in August 2007 by a group of editorial office professionals, held its 2024 North American Conference from July 16th to 19th at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This year’s conference, the first in-person gathering since COVID-19, offered a unique opportunity to delve deep into the complexities and innovations shaping the scholarly publishing landscape. As a seasoned publishing services provider, Integra found the event to be a rich source of insights and connections.

Key Themes and Insights

Practical Solutions to Industry Challenges: The conference emphasized practical solutions to industry challenges. Sessions on “Streamlining Peer Review,” “Leveraging AI for Editorial Workflow Optimization,” and “Navigating the Open Access Landscape” provided invaluable guidance for managing editors and publishing directors. These sessions focused on real-world applications and expert-led discussions, making them particularly relevant for professionals seeking actionable strategies.

Research Integrity: With the rise of paper mills and other forms of misconduct, discussions on best practices for detecting and preventing research misconduct were central to many sessions. Publishers are under increasing pressure to safeguard the integrity of the scholarly record, and reputable publishers invest heavily in research integrity. The human element remains crucial in detecting fraud, as human experts can understand nuances that AI might miss.

AI in Scholarly Publishing: AI was a recurring theme, with discussions highlighting both its potential benefits and limitations. While AI can accelerate processes and reduce manual effort, human oversight is essential to maintain research integrity and quality. The consensus was that AI can be a valuable tool when used responsibly and ethically.

Networking and Social Aspects: The networking opportunities at ISMTE were exceptional. The intimate setting facilitated meaningful connections with industry peers. Engaging in discussions with managing editors and publishing directors from various societies provided valuable insights into the challenges they face. The session on “Networking for Introverts” created a comfortable environment for everyone, including introverts.

Fun and Creativity: One of the highlights of the conference was “Metadata the Musical,” a fun and engaging event co-created by several ISMTE members and attendees. This creative initiative added a unique and entertaining dimension to the conference, showcasing the community’s camaraderie and innovative spirit.

Integra’s Perspective

While technology plays a vital role in scholarly publishing, the conference underscored the continued importance of human expertise. The ability of human subject matter experts to detect fraud and understand complex patterns remains indispensable. Integra’s commitment to human-led research integrity solutions was well-received by attendees.

As a leading provider of peer review and research integrity services, Integra’s presence at the ISMTE conference was instrumental in showcasing our expertise and connecting with industry peers. The opportunity to engage with managing editors and publishing directors allowed us to gain valuable insights into the challenges they face and tailor our solutions accordingly.

The ISMTE 2024 North American Conference was a pivotal event for the scholarly publishing community. It offered a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and exploring innovative solutions. Integra is proud to have been a part of this dynamic community and looks forward to contributing to the ongoing evolution of the industry.

At Integra, we celebrate editorial professionals and recognize the invaluable service they provide to the scholarly community. We empower them with our tools, acknowledging their crucial role in the curation and dissemination of research, which drives the advancement of human civilization. As a trusted partner, we offer editorial teams human-led, technology-assisted solutions for editorial, research integrity, and peer review management.

Is your journal vulnerable to research misconduct? Discover how Integra can help. Let’s talk!

Author Bio

Ashutosh Ghildiyal is the Vice President of Growth and Strategy at Integra, a leading global provider of publishing services and technology. With over 18 years of experience in scholarly publishing, he is adept at driving sustainable growth and expanding the company’s global presence. Ashutosh is deeply committed to advancing the scholarly publishing community and shaping the future of the industry.