Tobacco policy: making a stand BMJ Group’s stringent tobacco policy exemplifies our long- standing dedication to independent publishing. Recognising the harmful impact of the tobacco industry—responsible for killing up to two-thirds of long-term users—we have excluded tobacco-sponsored research from our publications for over a decade. It’s important to note that while our initial policy was a significant step, it did not cover all journals but rather a minority. We strive for comprehensive coverage in our ongoing efforts to maintain integrity in our publishing practices. As a result, in 2024, we extended our policy to cover all content types and to exclude authors with personal financial interests with tobacco companies or tobacco-related subsidiary companies or organisations. These measures strengthen our editorial integrity by supporting the independence of research from commercial interests, and the publication of independent, trusted research, contributing to a healthier world.
The BMJ Investigations Unit: journalism with a global impact The BMJ believes in investigative journalism as a force for change. Over the past decade, our investigative journalism has unearthed research fraud and misconduct, prompted improvements in the transparency of clinical research, led to changes in guidelines and clinical practice, and triggered parliamentary inquiries. As a direct result of this work, medical education provider Medscape bowed to pressure and agreed to permanently remove a series of accredited medical education courses on smoking cessation funded by the tobacco industry giant Philip Morris International (PMI) . The global company acknowledged its “misjudgment” in a letter to complainants and said it will not accept funding from any organisation affiliated with the tobacco industry in the future. The move came after an investigation by The BMJ revealed the PMI deal and the widespread protests among doctors and academics in reaction to the partnership.
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