AAU, Taylor & Francis Webinar Series on Medical Research

The webinar series on advancing medical research and publishing brought together a diverse network of scholars, practitioners, and thought leaders in three impactful sessions. Each session was carefully designed to address emerging trends and critical gaps in healthcare research, while fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders. 

The first session, held on 4th February 2026, centered on The Power of Preprints in Medicine and Healthcare and highlighted the growing importance of preprints in accelerating science communication. In an era where timely access to research findings can directly influence patient outcomes and policy decisions, preprints have emerged as a transformative tool. The session attracted an impressive 230 registrations, with over 50 active participants engaging in discussions. It featured Open Science and Access Advocate Roseline Dzekem Dine from the University of Rwanda, and Kelly Woods, a Publisher at F1000 (Taylor & Francis). Their combined expertise provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of how preprints could democratize access to knowledge, enhance transparency, and foster early collaboration among researchers. Beyond knowledge dissemination, the session successfully facilitated coordination among stakeholders, laying a strong foundation for the webinar series and establishing momentum for subsequent engagements. 

Building on this success, the second series held on 24th February 2026 shifted focus to Navigating Medical Publishing: Best Practices in Ethics and Data Sharing. This session addressed the ethical responsibilities inherent in medical research and the increasing emphasis on open and reproducible science. With 176 registrations and 81 participants in attendance, engagement levels were notably high, reflecting the relevance of the topic. The session featured distinguished facilitators, including Professor Friday Okonofua, an Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Health at the University of Benin, Nigeria. He was joined by experts from Taylor & Francis, Matthew Cannon, Associate Director of Open Science Programmes, and Victoria Corless, Associate Director of Community Development. Together, they guided participants through critical issues such as responsible authorship, ethical data management, and the importance of transparent data sharing practices. The session not only provided practical guidance but also encouraged participants to adopt global best practices, reinforcing integrity and accountability in medical publishing. 

The third series, held on 16th March 2026, explored a rapidly evolving frontier in healthcare research, with its focus on Leveraging AI and Technology in Medical Research: Ethical and Practical Approaches. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the research landscape, this session examined both the opportunities and challenges associated with AI’s integration into medical science. The session recorded 143 registrations, demonstrating sustained interest in the series and its forward-looking themes. Taylor & Francis’s Victoria Corless returned as the session facilitator, bringing continuity and expertise to the discussion. Participants engaged with key topics such as the ethical implications of AI-driven research, data privacy concerns, and the practical applications of technology in improving research efficiency and outcomes. The session emphasized the need for a balanced approach – one that embraces innovation while safeguarding ethical standards and patient trust. 

Collectively, the three sessions reflect a well-structured and impactful initiative aimed at strengthening capacity in medical research and publishing. From introducing the concept and value of preprints to addressing ethical publishing practices and finally exploring the role of emerging technologies, the series provided a comprehensive learning journey. Participation metrics across all sessions indicate strong interest and engagement, underscoring the relevance of the topics to the target audience. 

Moreover, the involvement of experienced facilitators from academic and publishing backgrounds ensured that discussions were both insightful and practical. The series not only enhanced participants’ knowledge but also fostered collaboration among researchers, publishers, and advocates of open science. As the landscape of medical research continues to evolve, initiatives like this webinar series play a critical role in equipping stakeholders with the tools, knowledge, and ethical grounding needed to navigate it effectively. 

The webinar series successfully achieved its objectives of promoting awareness, building capacity, and encouraging best practices in medical research and publishing. It stands as a strong example of how collaborative, well-curated learning platforms can drive meaningful progress in the healthcare research ecosystem.