Editage to drive conversations on ‘Community Over Commercialization’ at Open Access Week 2024
Posted on October 21st, 2024
Editage, the flagship brand of Cactus Communications (CACTUS), a leading science communication and technology company, will be celebrating Open Access Week 2024 from October 21 to 27. In continuation with last year’s focus, this year’s theme “Community over Commercialization,” will emphasise the importance of prioritizing fair and open access to knowledge in scholarly communication.
Openly sharing research findings has become key for advancing knowledge and applying it for the broader benefit of society. As open access continues to gain momentum, it is crucial for the academic and research community to engage in discussions on making open scholarship more inclusive and equitable. This year’s theme at Open Access Week seeks to delve into conversations around the growing need for transparent knowledge exchange and to address the social injustices present within the academic landscape.
Mr. Akhilesh Ayer, CEO, Cactus Communications said, “Open Access Week is a pivotal event to address the challenges faced by the academic publishing community and to create pathways for more equitable knowledge sharing. At Editage, we committed to leading crucial conversations and promoting innovations that support scholars and stakeholders around the world.”
Through the week-long event, Editage will host various thought-provoking activities. Interviews with well-known industry professionals Eunice Mercado-Lara, Director of Equity and Impact, Open Research Community Accelerator (ORCA), and Miranda Bader-Goodman, Principal Medical Writer at Ashfield MedComms, will be featured and a variety of resources on critical open access topics will be shared.
The event will include a live panel discussion on the topic “Navigating Ethical Complexities: Open Access Data Sharing DEI Considerations, and the Role of Generative AI.” The panellists Alice Meadows, Co-founder, MoreBrains Cooperative, and Ed Pentz, Executive Director, Crossref, will provide real-world examples and share practical insights into promoting inclusivity, accountability, and responsible conduct in collaborative research within the open access publishing landscape.
To support collective efforts towards a more transparent, equitable and community-centred future, this live event is open to all and will be available through registration.
To register for Open Access Week 2024, please visit –
https://www.editage.com/insights/international-open-access-week
Cactus Communications joins hands with STM Integrity Hub to bolster STM’s suite of research integrity checks
Posted on October 9th, 2024
Cactus Communications (CACTUS), a leading science communication and technology company, today announced partnership with the prestigious STM Integrity Hub to enhance STM Solutions’ suite of research integrity checks, setting the stage for a more robust scholarly publishing ecosystem. Under this partnership, STM Integrity Hub will pilot the integration of multiple research integrity checks for authorship, affiliations, and citations, which are part of Paperpal Preflight for Editorial Desk, an AI-powered tool developed by CACTUS.
Safeguarding research integrity stands as a cornerstone in scholarly publishing industry, indispensable for the reliability and credibility of academic research. With the rise of scientific literature and the increasing complexity of research methodologies, upholding research integrity is of paramount importance. By integrating CACTUS’s renowned research integrity checks, the partnership aims to support STM and publishers that use the STM Integrity Hub with identifying potential misconduct and strengthening the credibility of scholarly publications.
Nishchay Shah, Chief Technology Officer and Head, AI Products, Cactus Communications stated, “The STM Integrity Hub plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of science in academia. This collaboration with STM Integrity Hub reflects our commitment towards upholding the highest standards of research integrity. We have built AI-powered, cutting-edge technology solutions that enhance the quality and credibility of academic publishing. By supporting STM with our solutions packaged under Paperpal Preflight, we aim to empower publishers and societies to maintain these high standards and safeguard the integrity of scientific research.”
Joris Van Rossum, Product Director, STM Integrity Hub, remarked, “Through our recently launched pilot program, we aim to unlock creativity in the sector by providing innovative solution providers such as CACTUS with a pathway to connect with a large number of prospective customers to test and evaluate novel concepts and tools.”
This collaboration indicates a significant step forward in ensuring the integrity of scholarly research and highlights the dedication of both the entities to upholding the highest standards in academic publishing.
Cactus Communications obtains ISO 18587 Certification for Post-Editing Machine Translations
Posted on October 8th, 2024
Cactus Communications (CACTUS), a leading science communication and technology company, is pleased to announce its achievement of the ISO 18587 Certification. This globally recognized certification highlights the organization’s commitment to delivering high-quality post-editing of machine-translated content, further establishing CACTUS’s expertise in AI-enabled translation services and post editing.
The machine translation (MT) technology has advanced significantly, driven by the growing demand in translation and localization industry. However, despite the technological strides, human post-editing remains crucial for maintaining accuracy and quality of content. The ISO 18587 certification validates the high standards of post-editing for machine-translated content emphasizing accuracy, consistency, and professionalism. By adhering to international standards, this certification enhances market credibility and strengthens client trust.
Prabh Grewal Senior Vice President, Operations (Research Solutions), Cactus Communications stated, “As the global demand for faster, accurate translations grows, this certification positions us as a trusted industry leader and reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in post-editing of machine translation output. We remain steadfast in adhering to international standards while consistently delivering top-quality services to our global clientele.”
The ISO 18587 certification reaffirms CACTUS’s adherence to the highest international standards in post-editing, ensuring precise and reliable translations through a rigorous quality management system. This milestone benefits a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including researchers, authors, academic publishers, societies, universities, and institutions. Earlier this year, CACTUS also obtained the ISO 17100 certification, further strengthening its commitment to excellence in translation services.
India’s Biopharma Sector Emerges as Key Driver of the Bioeconomy: Cactus Communications and Gubbi Labs Report
Posted on September 24th, 2024
A new insightful report on the “Biopharma Industry in India” has been published as a series of articles on Biospectrum India. Authored by Dr. H.S. Sudhira, Director of Gubbi Labs, in association with Cactus Communications (CACTUS), a leading science communication and technology company, the report offers a comprehensive analysis of India’s Biopharma sector, showcasing its exponential growth and emergence as a major global player in bioeconomy. The report highlights India’s contributions to affordable healthcare solutions, biosimilars, and vaccines while identifying key opportunities for innovation, international collaboration, and investment in the biopharma sector.
The biopharma sector has emerged as a critical component of the country’s bioeconomy, contributing to 49% of India’s biotechnology output. The report delves into the sector’s consistent double-digit growth, supported by government initiatives, skilled talent, and cutting-edge research, which together position India as a major player in global healthcare innovation.
Key highlights from the report:
- The Biologics CDMO Market size is expected to grow from $13.58 billion in 2023 to $24.77 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 12.78% during the forecast period (2023-2028).
- There has been a significant rise in R&D investments, with Indian companies spending approximately 8-10% of their revenue on research, particularly in drug discovery and development.
- The biopharma segment develops products such as therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostics. Of these, diagnostics alone account for 52% ($20.4 billion) share of the total biopharma market, while the therapeutics segment accounts for 26% ($10.3 billion). The vaccine segment (excluding COVID-19 vaccines) accounts for the rest (22%, at $8.7 billion).
- India remains the largest vaccine producer only second to the EU, with annual production capacities of around 14.5 million kgs—comparable with of the EU’s annual production capacities, of around 15.5 million kgs.
Dr. H. S. Sudhira, Director of Gubbi Labs and lead author of the report, remarked, “India’s biopharma sector is uniquely positioned to address global health challenges, from pandemic preparedness to developing advanced biotherapeutics and vaccines. The growth observed is driven by a combination of evolving regulatory landscapes and robust international partnerships, showcasing India’s significant role in shaping global healthcare innovation.”
Dr. Smita Jain, Director, Partnerships (India), Cactus Communications, commented, “As we look to the future, the country’s strides in biotechnology and pharmaceutical development are setting new benchmarks for accessibility and affordability in healthcare. This transformation highlights India’s growing influence on the global stage, shaping the future of health and wellness for generations to come.”
Balasubramanya, Ph.D., General Manager – Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises – ABLE, said, “India’s biopharma industry is rapidly emerging as a global powerhouse, driving nearly half of the nation’s bioeconomy. With robust R&D investments and government support now coming from the new BioE3 policy, the sector is poised for remarkable growth, solidifying its position in the global bioeconomy. The report by Gubbi Labs in collaboration with Cactus Communications, essentially captures the same and highlights India’s pivotal role in affordable healthcare, biosimilars, and vaccines.”
Cactus Communications remains committed to fostering advancements in science and technology, driving impactful solutions that address global challenges. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, CACTUS continues to support the growth of the biopharma industry and other critical sectors, helping shape a healthier and more sustainable future.
The links to the series of articles are here:
Biopharma Industry in India: Growth and Possibilities (biospectrumindia.com)
Biopharma Industry in India: Trends in Technology (biospectrumindia.com)
Biopharma Industry in India: Biologics (biospectrumindia.com)
Cementing India’s place as global leader in biosimilars (biospectrumindia.com)
Editage sets the stage for Peer Review Week 2024
Posted on September 18th, 2024
Editage, the flagship brand of Cactus Communications (CACTUS), a leading science communication and technology company, is geared up to celebrate Peer Review Week 2024. The event, scheduled from September 23 to 27, will focus on the theme ‘Innovation and Technology in Peer Review,’ a topic selected through an open poll by the global scholarly community. Discussions during the event will centre on the evolving role of peer review in scholarly publishing, specifically addressing the opportunities and challenges that AI brings to the process.
Peer Review Week serves as a pivotal opportunity for researchers, publishers, editors, and other stakeholders within the scholarly community to gather, share insights, and recognize the crucial role of peer review in upholding the integrity of scholarly publishing. This year, the event will not only focus on the evolving role of peer review but also highlight future trends led by technology and explore solutions to the challenges faced by various stakeholders in scholarly publishing.
Roohi Ghosh, Ambassador for Researcher Outreach, Engagement, and Success, Cactus Communications, who is co-chairing the Peer Review Week since 2023, said “Peer Review Week 2024 offers us the timely opportunity to take a closer look at the way peer review is evolving in the digital era. Collectively, we must explore methods to leverage the potential of AI to improve and uphold the credibility of the research evaluation procedure. I’m thrilled about this week-long event and it’s great that once again we are partnering with EASE (European Association of Science Editors) to bring a variety of viewpoints, voices, opinions, and experiences on this year’s theme.”
Bahar Mehmani, Reviewer Experience Lead at Elsevier, EASE Vice-President and member of the EASE Peer Review Committee, said “I am delighted that EASE is partnering with Editage again this year. I have a long association with Peer Review Week, having been part of the founding Committee, past chair and involved every year since. The initiative has gone from strength to strength and provides an essential forum for the community to come together to discuss ongoing trends.”
Editage, in collaboration with EASE, will host a series of activities, including a live panel discussion on the topic “Envisioning a Hybrid Model of Peer Review: Integrating AI with Reviewers, Publishers & Authors”. Panellists Dr. Serge Horbach, Marie McVeigh, and Dr. Haseeb Irfanullah will share their perspectives on the topic and respond to participants’ questions.
The event will also feature interviews with well-known industry professionals Dr. Gareth Dyke, Dr. Maria Machado, and Maryam Sayab. In addition, a China-focused Ask-Me-Anything session will be hosted and a podcast titled “Navigating Peer Review: Insights with Joan Marsh, Editor-in-Chief, The Lancet Psychiatry” will be released.
Through this collaboration and interactive sessions, Editage aims engage with key stakeholders in the scholarly publishing community.
For more information and registration, please visit: Peer Review Week 2024 Registrations | Editage
Cactus Communications appoints Akhilesh Ayer as new CEO
Posted on September 5th, 2024
Abhishek Goel, founder & CEO to assume new role as Chief Mentor
Cactus Communications (CACTUS), a leading science communication and technology company, has announced the appointment of Akhilesh Ayer as its new Chief Executive Officer. Abhishek Goel, founder and outgoing CEO will continue to serve as a board member and transition into the role of Chief Mentor.
Established in 2002, CACTUS has flourished under Abhishek Goel’s leadership, partnering with researchers, institutions, and publishers worldwide to accelerate research publishing and impact. This leadership change aligns with CACTUS’s strategic vision for its next phase of growth and innovation as the company enters its third decade.
Akhilesh comes with over 25 years of leadership experience in running global businesses, managing clients and running transformation programs across a range of industry verticals, products and services. His previous experience include leadership stints at WNS, GE and Crisil amongst others.
Abhishek Goel expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s future under Ayer’s leadership, “I am delighted to welcome Akhilesh Ayer as the new CEO of Cactus Communications. CACTUS has significant untapped potential in multiple areas and, we believe this is an opportune time to bring on a new CEO to help realize this potential. Akhilesh is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in leading global teams through digital transformation, driving both top and bottom-line growth. His vision for leveraging technology aligns well with our goals for innovation and expansion. Akhilesh’s expertise will be pivotal in shaping our next chapter.”
Akhilesh Ayer joins CACTUS from WNS Global Services, where he served as Executive Vice President & Head of Data, Analytics, AI & Research (Triange) business unit. At WNS, he successfully transformed the business unit by adopting a differentiated go-to-market strategy, re-imagining the product-service mix, building a best-in-class operational ecosystem and bringing in industry-leading people practices that helped achieve stellar results. He also played a key role in the business unit’s M&A strategy, leading successful acquisitions and integrations.
Akhilesh Ayer commented on his appointment, “I am excited to join CACTUS and for the opportunity to lead the company. I believe that the industry we operate in is on the brink of a transformative disruption. I am energized by the immense potential to drive growth and enhance the CACTUS experience for its customers while remaining true to its mission and values.”
Editage partners with EurekAlert! to amplify global research impact
Posted on August 20th, 2024
Editage announces a strategic partnership with EurekAlert!, the global leader in science news distribution, to offer enhanced research communication services to universities and researchers worldwide. Through this partnership, Editage will become an authorized reseller of EurekAlert!’s services in Japan, Korea, and China, facilitating the amplification of research impact.
Effective science communication is critical for application, impact, and accountability of scientific research and may result in substantial boost in research visibility, increased citation rates, and improved global rankings. This partnership addresses common challenges universities face in carrying out global science communication, including the absence of dedicated Public Information Officers (PIOs) and limited resources for timely press release distribution.
Editage can now offer universities, researchers, and scholarly publishers services akin to a remote Public Information Office (PIO), representing and submitting content to EurekAlert!, thus managing the entire research news dissemination process. This partnership also offers universities streamlined access to EurekAlert!’s powerful platform, significantly reducing onboarding and turnaround times for press release distribution.
Universities and researchers can also opt for additional services such as infographics, video summaries, and paper selection services to enhance the effectiveness of the press release.
Makoto Yuasa, Head of Marketing, Cactus Communications, stated, “In today’s fast-paced scientific landscape, effective communication is as crucial as research itself. This partnership between Editage and EurekAlert! represents a game-changing opportunity for research institutions worldwide. By combining Editage’s expertise in science communication with EurekAlert!’s unparalleled distribution network, we’re setting a new standard for global research visibility and impact.”
Brian Lin, Director of Editorial Content Strategy at EurekAlert!, said, “We’re excited about the potential of this partnership to increase access to our powerful and trusted platform and democratize global science communication. This alliance is more than just a service offering—it’s a catalyst to spark more scientific collaborations and progress. By enhancing the visibility of cutting-edge research from more areas of the scientific enterprise, we can accelerate the pace of discovery and foster a more connected global scientific community.”
The partnership offers enhanced global visibility, cost-effective solutions, and expertise in science communication. Universities can improve their global reputation and rankings through broader international exposure and scalable remote PIO services. Researchers can gain increased recognition, career advancement opportunities, multilingual support. Scholarly publishers can benefit from amplified impact, streamlined promotion, and global reach, with insights into engagement metrics.
By leveraging the combined expertise of Editage and EurekAlert!, this partnership will enhance the influence of scientific research globally.
Cactus Communications joins the STM Community
Posted on August 9th, 2024
Cactus Communications (CACTUS), a leading science communication and technology company proudly announces its membership of the International Association of Scientific, Technical, and Medical Publishers, better known as STM. This prestigious membership reflects CACTUS’s commitment to advancing the global research ecosystem through collaboration, innovation, and adherence to the highest standards of publishing.
With over two decades of expertise in the field of scholarly communication, CACTUS has been at the forefront of supporting researcher needs worldwide. As a member of STM, CACTUS aims to engage closely with the global research community to address key issues such as research integrity, generative AI, open access, peer review, and more.
Nikesh Gosalia, President, Global Academic and Publisher Relations, Cactus Communications expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “CACTUS has been at the vanguard of building strong partnerships with leading publishers, academic societies, funders and universities, gaining deep insight into the research industry. We are excited to join STM association and look forward to contributing actively to initiatives that promote excellence in scholarly publishing. Our membership will enable us to participate in critical discussions affecting the research community and further our mission of making research more accessible, efficient, and impactful across the globe.”
Cactus Communications has been instrumental in supporting key stakeholders in the scholarly publishing ecosystem, including publishers, academic societies, universities, funders, and researchers. By assisting these stakeholders, CACTUS aims to facilitate greater accessibility, efficiency and impact within the global research community. STM membership marks a significant step in propelling CACTUS’s journey to foster positive change and innovation in the global research landscape.
Cactus Communications Wins Gold for Excellence in Employer Branding at BW People HR Excellence Awards
Posted on August 8th, 2024
Cactus Communications (CACTUS), a leading science communication and technology company, is thrilled to announce that it has won the Gold Award for Excellence in Employer Branding at the prestigious BW People HR Excellence Awards 2024. This award recognizes CACTUS’s remarkable efforts in building an exceptional workplace culture and brand aimed at attracting and retaining specialized talent from academia, pharma, tech, and corporate sectors globally.
To establish a strong and cohesive employer brand, in 2023, CACTUS conducted extensive research, including employee surveys, focus groups, and market analysis, to understand the key attributes that employees valued. With a comprehensive Employee Value Proposition (EVP) in place, CACTUS focused on internal alignment through communication campaigns, brand workshops, training sessions, and the distribution of brand guidelines. By engaging employees as brand ambassadors, the internal culture was aligned with the external brand promise. Concurrently, targeted external campaigns enhanced CACTUS’s presence on social media and across recruitment touchpoints.
CACTUS’s transformational journey in employer branding reflects its commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. The organization with its strong and compelling employer brand tagline ‘Powering Research, Empowering People’ encapsulates its commitment to customer, inclusivity, and professional growth, providing a clear and compelling narrative for prospective employees. The employer brand has not only enhanced the organization’s talent acquisition and retention efforts but has also positioned CACTUS as an employer of choice in the industry.
Cactus Communications recognized as ‘Employers of the Future 2024’
Posted on July 30th, 2024
Cactus Communications (CACTUS), a leading science communication and technology company, is thrilled to announce its recognition as ‘Employers of the Future 2024’ for exemplifying best practices of future-ready organizations for the third consecutive year. Conducted by Leadup Universe in partnership with Outlook Business Magazine, the ‘Employers of the Future 2024’ study seeks to become the most sought-after repository of best practices for companies to stay relevant.
As an organization at the forefront of powering research and empowering its people, CACTUS dismantles obstacles of time, geography, and diversity through its ‘Accelerate from Anywhere’ practice, encouraging team members to excel from any location globally. The company’s culture thrives on empowering women, with 56% of its workforce and 57% of managerial positions held by women, and an impressive 90% of women rejoining after maternity leave. This showcases CACTUS’s commitment to a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Additionally, in its quest of staying ahead of its time, CACTUS integrates advanced AI and ML technologies throughout the research lifecycle, developing solutions such as personalized research feeds, AI-powered academic writing tools, and integrated research platforms to enhance its service portfolio. This agility has allowed the organization to propel in its business and cultural pursuits.
Yashmi Pujara, Chief Human Resources Officer, Cactus Communications, said, “Empowering our people to accelerate from anywhere with a remote first model, enabling them to embrace new technology while curating thoughtful in-person experiences —it’s the cornerstone of our future ready organisation. The synergy between AI and human expertise cultivates a culture of excellence and innovation.”
The felicitation event was held on 24th July at the Quorum Club in Mumbai. The exclusive evening celebrated featured organizations, shared key insights, and fostered dialogue among the CXO community.