Policies and Practices of Open Science in Medical Journals
By
Constant Vinatier
Ayu Putu Madri Dewi
Guillaume Freyermuth
Margaux Millour
Maud Scheidecker
François-Joseph Arnault
Mathieu Acher
Vladislav Nachev
Tracey L. Weissgerber
Nicholas J. DeVito
Gwénaël Dumont
Gowri Gopalakrishna
Gauthier Le Bartz Lyan
Inge Stegeman
Mariska M. G. Leeflang
Florian Naudet
September 4, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Policies and Practices of Open Science in Medical Journals
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Open Science Practices Key Mechanisms Study registration, protocol accessibility, data sharing Target Population Biomedical journals and researchers Care Setting Biomedical research publication
Key Highlights
Prospective clinical-trial registration became a requirement in 2005. Data-sharing statements for clinical trials were mandated by ICMJE in 2018. BMJ and PLOS Medicine now require data deposition in public repositories. Evaluation of journals' open science practices is necessary for transparency. Automated tools for monitoring open science practices are being developed. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Management
Monitoring & Follow-up
Use of automated tools for monitoring article-level transparency indicators. Risks
Influence of predatory journals on the credibility of biomedical research. Patient & Prescribing Data
Not applicable as the study does not involve human participants.
Not applicable as the study focuses on journal policies and practices.
Clinical Best Practices
Adherence to the TOP2025 guidelines for evaluating open science practices. Encouragement of data sharing and transparency in research publications. Implementation of registered reports to reduce publication bias. Related Resources & Content
