Navigating ELSI in Scientific Journals: Insights for Publishing in Genetics
Explore the landscape of Ethics, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) in scientific journals, focusing on Genetics in Medicine. Discover where ELSI articles fit, common pitfalls to avoid, and key considerations for effectively sharing research. Learn how clinically-focused journals differ in their reception of ELSI work compared to hard science journals.
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Presentation Transcript
Publishing ELSI in Scientific Journals: Perspectives from Genetics in Medicine Kyle Brothers, MD, PhD September 7, 2023
Overview - About GIM - Where ELSI articles (sometimes) fit at scientific journals - Pitfalls - Focus on Qualitative Research
About GIM - Official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics - Research journal of a mostly clinical professional society focus on medically/clinically relevant research - Includes sections / section editors focused on: - ELSI (x2) - Genetic Counseling - Education
Clinically-focused journals are typically more receptive to ethics / ELSI work than hard science journals And there is a spectrum
Where ELSI Fits 1. Commentary (1200-1800 words) often conceptual/normative only Science = Science Policy Forum NEJM = Perspective GIM = Commentary (<1500 words) Special Article (>1500 words)
Where ELSI Fits 2. Original Research (3000-4000 words) often empirical only Science = Research Article NEJM = Original Article GIM = Article
Where ELSI Fits 3. Recommendations, Guidelines, Statements (4000-5000 words) Typically limited to works prepared by committees of the organization and approved by its Board Iterative process: Topic and writing team selected Board approval Draft prepared Board approval
Where ELSI Fits 4. Intro/Discussion sections of Original Research (3000-4000 words) ELSI issues can be an important element of contextualizing original genetics/genomics research
Pitfalls Language: specialized language from sociology, philosophy, etc. Pitfall: low interest to audience Also: Journal policy on condition names sometimes reflect ableism Reviewer selection: often combination of topical experts and methodological experts Pitfall: topical experts making unhelpful comments about methods Editorial involvement Pitfall: high profile journals often take strong editorial discretion
Qualitative Research Receptivity highly variable among journals Recommendation: Google Scholar for qualitative work in your target journal Detailed methods with jargon: required at social science journals but could decrease suitability for medical journal
Qualitative Research Typically fits in Original Research category, so 3000-4000 words Use of tables and figures can help meet word limits Sample size needed for saturation number needed to pass journal triage At GIM, sample size >20 strengthens case for proceeding to review Sample size <15 less likely to be reviewed Data-sharing typically required (so need plan to share qualitative data)
Open Options Open journal options like Genetics in Medicine Open: Focus on rigor > focus on significance Typically more lenient on word count Might be a better fit for: Qualitative research with small sample size Longer commentary (i.e. conceptual / normative) pieces
Many scientific/medical journals now accept qualitative research articles But with some idiosyncratic expectations
Thank you! GIM Editorial Board Bob Steiner (EIC) Diane Drexler (Managing Editor) Jan Higgins (previous Managing Editor) David Miller (Deputy EIC) Mildred Cho (fellow ELSI section editor and Chair, IDEA Committee) GIM Ethics Advisory Committee Shawneequa Callier Beth Tarini M an Zawati Kelly Ormond
