This is the second in a series of three editorials that aim to address recurring concerns about the benefi ts and risks associated with open-access publishing in medicine and the biological sciences. S cientifi c societies serve their members, their broader scholarly communities, and the different components of their missions in many important ways. Making peer-reviewed literature immediately a...

Efficient scientific study requires organized cooperation between scholars, as well in contemporary science as in the past. The famous philosopher, G. W. Leibniz (1646-1716) regarded as his models for the scientific organizations The Royal Society (founded in 1660) and The Royal Science Academy of France (founded in 1666). 1 These societies were mainly interested in practical applications, alth...

The role of scientific societies in the promotion of biomedical research is becoming increasingly important, particularly when the political and financial situations across Europe (and the world) are facing unprecedented challenges. The whole field of biomedical research in Europe is therefore in a difficult position, considering that research is usually one of the first victims of global crisi...