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Plain Lay Language Summaries and Plain language Summaries of Publications in Medical Communications: Meeting the Needs of Authors, Publishers and Readers
Who it is for
Open to EMWA members registered for the EMWA Autumn Conference 2026.
What it covers
Plain language summaries (PLSs) and plain language summaries of publications (PLS-Ps) have become an increasingly important component of scientific communication, reflecting growing expectations for transparency, accessibility, and patient-centred dissemination of research findings. Medical communication professionals are frequently tasked with translating complex scientific content into formats that are understandable, engaging, and scientifically accurate for audiences beyond subject matter experts. This interactive session will provide a practical overview of PLSs and PLS-Ps and their role within the broader landscape of medical communications. Participants will explore the distinction between these two types of summaries, as well as how these distinctions influence content development. The session will also examine the expectations of publishers, reviewers, authors, and end users regarding the quality and value of these separate publication formats. The speakers will share practical recommendations on selecting the most appropriate format, planning and development as part of a broader publication strategy, and ensuring alignment with both authors and publisher requirements. Consideration will also be given to the dual role of PLSs and PLS-Ps as educational tools that support understanding of medical research while serving as communication assets that enhance accessibility, engagement, and reach. The session will conclude with an open discussion, giving attendees the opportunity to share experiences, discuss challenges, and exchange best practices for developing high-quality PLSs and PLS-Ps that meet the needs of publishers, authors, and diverse audiences. By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Differentiate between PLS and PLS-Ps, including their respective audiences, purposes, (language) requirements, and formats, as well as distinction from lay language summaries
- Describe the value of PLSs and PLS-Ps within contemporary medical publication and communication strategies.
- Apply practical approaches to tackle common challenges and engage authors and stakeholders in a streamlined PLS and PLS-P development process.
- Identify methods for balancing scientific accuracy, readability, educational value, and audience engagement.
- Exchange experiences and best practices with peers involved in medical communications and publication development (e.g., publishing PLSs and PLS-Ps Open Access, using AI to draft plain language materials.
Alessandro Baliani is a senior publishing professional with over 17 years of experience in journal portfolio development, editorial strategy, and Open Access publishing across Gold OA and hybrid models. Alessandro currently leads publication development and innovation for a portfolio of Gold Open Access and hybrid journals, focusing on editorial excellence and the delivery of high-quality, accessible clinical content. He works closely with pharmaceutical companies, medical communications agencies, and academic stakeholders to develop innovative publishing solutions that increase the reach, visibility, and impact of clinical research.
Alessandro’s work includes the development and implementation of accessible research communication formats, including Plain Language Reviews and enhanced Plain Language Summaries of Publications, helping to make complex scientific information more understandable for broader audiences. Alessandro is also actively involved in identifying, developing, and launching new publishing products and services that address evolving stakeholder needs, improve the dissemination of research, and enhance the author and reader experience.
Sarah Griffiths is Head of Patient Engagement at Oxford PharmaGenesis. She has been involved in the PLS space since 2018, working across the regulatory summaries, PLS that accompany publications and on PLSPs since their inception. She peer reviews PLSPs for Taylor and Francis, has presented at EMWA, ISMPP, MAPS, Open Pharma and Patients as Partners meetings on health literacy, plain language summaries and working with patients as authors.
Art has a background in neurophysiology and behavioural medicine. As an independent consultant, he specialises in regulatory strategy, Data Safety Monitoring Board management, medical writing, and bioethics. Art has held senior posts at a
number of companies including Schering-Plough/Merck, Hoffmann-LaRoche, TFS,
and Quintiles, and headed departments responsible for medical writing, publications, project management, and regulatory affairs. He also served as a Senior Research
Fellow with the Centre for Innovation in Regulatory Sciences (CIRS). Art has extensive teaching experience and has presented to professional organisations (e.g. EMWA, AMWA, DIA), and corporate and academic audiences, worldwide. He spent 2 years heading Clinical Operations for an eDC ‘dot.com’ company, and has been active in CDISC since its inception. He served as Chair of the Global Ethics and Regulatory Initiative (GERI) of the Alliance for Clinical Research Excellence and
Safety (ACRES). He is a Founding Member of the Global Alliance of Publication
Professionals (GAPP), a Past President of AMWA, and a Fellow of both AMWA and EMWA. Art served in a Senior Advisory capacity on the Budapest Working Group in developing the CORE Reference. He has a particular interest in bioethics in the
context of clinical studies, is an advisor to an IRB, and serves on a number of task forces focusing on improving the drug development process while protecting the rights and safety of clinical study participants.
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Registration fee first
The conference registration fee (€50) must be in your basket before any session can be added. It is one off and covers the opening session and the plenary.
Terms and conditions
Changes to registration
Changes may be made to workshop or seminar choices after booking (that is, a cancellation of one workshop or seminar choice and replacement by another), for an administrative fee of €27, plus any difference in price between the choice of workshops or seminars. Workshops, seminars and lunchtime sponsored sessions may be added to your original registration (subject to availability) at any time, without an administrative fee by contacting info@emwa.org. All changes are subject to availability.
Cancellation of attendance
If you wish to cancel your attendance at the conference, a refund, minus an administration fee of €162, will be made provided your cancellation is made in writing to EMWA head office before 20 October 2026. No refunds will be made after this date.
Payments
Invoices must be settled by bank transfer in Euro, or paid by card through Stripe. All fees are payable in advance. Full payment is due by 30 October 2026. If payment has not been received, EMWA reserves the right to request payment and cancel registration.