A Conversation with Dr. Bhagavathula on Open Access, Rigor, and the Future of AI in Research
Dr. Akshaya Bhagavathula, an associate professor of epidemiology at North Dakota State University, recently spoke with JMIR Publications' publisher and executive editor, Gunther Eysenbach, while attending the APHA 2024 conference in Minneapolis. They enjoyed a fascinating discussion about his work in infodemiology and digital health. With a focus on using social media and AI to understand public health interventions, he brings a wealth of experience from his work across the globe, including Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
Watch The Interview
A long-time contributor to JMIR Publications, Akshaya has been an associate editor at JMIR Public Health and Surveillance for over a decade. He began his journey with JMIR Publications as an author, publishing several papers before taking on the critical role of peer reviewer. View a selection of his articles in JMIR Publications journals here.
The Value of Rigor and Clear Communication
Akshaya emphasized the importance of methodological rigor and clear communication in research. He detailed the significant effort he invests in each peer review, sometimes spending up to 10 hours per paper to ensure quality and clarity. As an associate editor, he plays a key role in integrating feedback from multiple reviewers and ensuring that published manuscripts meet the highest standards.
Open Access: Breaking Down Barriers
A strong advocate for open access publishing, he praised the JMIR Publications model for its ability to make research freely available to anyone, anywhere in the world. He highlighted the benefits for researchers in developing countries, who often face financial barriers to accessing critical information. He also noted the value of JMIR Publications unlimited page length, which allows for the inclusion of comprehensive methodologies and supplemental information, crucial for transparency and reproducibility.
Looking Ahead: AI and the Future of JMIR Publications
Looking towards the future, Akshaya expressed his enthusiasm for the integration of AI and machine learning in JMIR Publications journals. He envisions dedicated sections focusing on these cutting-edge technologies, fostering innovation and advancing research methodologies.
This insightful conversation provided a glimpse into the dedication and expertise of JMIR Publications editorial team and highlighted the journal's commitment to open access, rigorous peer review, and the advancement of public health research in the digital age.
Watch the full interview here.
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