Scientific editors in Italy: identity, certification and roles.

Abstract

This study is developed as part of the activities of the Italian Chapter of the European Association of Science Editors (EASE) with the aim to provide an overview of the Italian scientific publishing in biomedicine and highlight the need for professional training and certification. Even at European and international level, in fact, there is a general lack of training and accreditation programs for the certification of professional editors. After defining the editor's role (term that in the Italian language has a certain degree of ambiguity) and the different professionals involved in the publication process, the paper analyzes the biomedical production in Italy, reporting the results of a survey on professional associations, institutions, scientific societies, and others. Also reported are the results of a first hearing on views expressed by the publishers themselves. From this study the need of a constructive discussion with all stakeholders emerges not only to improve the quality of publications in the biomedical field, but also to enhance and recognize the editor's profession, both in Italy and in other countries.