Driving equity and representation in scholarly publishing
For centuries, scholarly journals have provided a foundation for sharing new discoveries, transforming the way we live and work. They also serve as platforms where the scholarly community, editors, and editorial boards play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity, quality, and relevance of published research. Editors are key allies in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by promoting diverse representation, addressing biases in publication practices, and ensuring equitable access.
Since Thomas Wakley founded The Lancet in 1823, the journal has strived to make science widely accessible so that medicine can serve and transform society. Fast forward to 2025, and The Lancet’s DEI team is placing equity at the heart of both the organization and its publications. The Lancet Group has established a diversity pledge, supported by a gender and diversity task force (formed in 2019) and a racial equity task force (established in 2020).
To embed DEI into publication processes, The Lancet Group tracks progress through self-reported diversity data. A baseline of authors, reviewers, editors, and editorial advisors was first established in 2017. As of October 2023, 54% of Lancet journals have female representation.
What actions were taken?
- Introduced a “No All-Male Panel” Policy (“Manels”) – Editors commit to not serving as panellists at public conferences where there are no women on the panel.
- Acknowledged the Historical Context of Published Articles – While the Lancet Group preserves past content as part of the scientific record (dating back to 1823), it recognizes that some articles may no longer meet current scientific or ethical standards. Editors encourage submissions that critically examine historical Lancet articles.
- Built an Inclusive Editorial Culture – Created a code of conduct that fosters openness and values diverse perspectives.
- Implemented Self-Reporting on Diversity – In alignment with the Joint Commitment on Action, The Lancet introduced voluntary self-reporting on gender, ethnicity, and race within its editorial manager system in June 2022, tracking progress among authors and reviewers.
- Adjusted Publication Practices – The Lancet Group adopted inclusive peer review (aiming to engage more female reviewers) and adjusted editorial guidelines to encourage translations and ensure research acknowledges the role of people with lived experience.
- Advocated for Equity in Research Partnerships – The Lancet Group requires authors to document North-South research partnerships, demonstrating how equity was maintained throughout the research process.
JOIN