A recently published editorial in PLoS Medicine looks back over the five years since the journal made its first call for papers and describes a new evidence-based approach to the aims and scope of the journal. This approach emphasises the focus of PLoS Medicine on the diseases and risk factors that cause the greatest losses in years of healthy life worldwide.
Taking as its guide several prominent publications that document these diseases and risk factors, the editors have reaffirmed the principles that led to the founding of PLoS Medicine. According to their editorial, they remain guided by the conviction that research reports must be available to all, and not restricted by access fees and legal barriers to reuse. In taking such an approach, the editors emphasise the need to look beyond just the biological causes of disease. As the world faces the challenges of a changing climate, a turbulent economic system and continued global conflict, they point out, it is vital for health research to encompass the social, environmental and political determinants of health as well. All articles published in the latest issue of the journal illustrate these priorities.
In concluding the editorial, the editors express hope that their new, evidence-based approach will not only ensure that open access publishing reflects the health priorities of the 21st century, but will also reaffirm and revitalise the long tradition of medical journals leading, rather than following, the debate over research priorities.
