Revolutionizing Research Transparency in Health Economics

Lawrenceville, NJ – August 4, 2025 – In a groundbreaking move, ISPOR—the Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR)—has unveiled a new initiative aimed at championing transparency in research. This innovative program will award Open Science Badges to selected papers published in the journal *Value in Health,* enhancing trust and accountability in the research community.

What Are Open Science Badges?

The Open Science Badges—Preregistered, Open Data, and Open Materials—serve as powerful symbols denoting that published research adheres to the highest standards of transparency and reproducibility. These badges will inform readers that the studies have been preregistered, and all associated data and methodologies are readily accessible in public repositories.

A Step Towards Building Trust

Editors-in-Chief Nancy J. Devlin, PhD, and C. Daniel Mullins, PhD, expressed their excitement about this initiative, stating, "These badges are an additional way to support authors committed to open science." ISPOR CEO & Executive Director Rob Abbott added, "By introducing this badging system, ISPOR is assuming a leadership role in fostering transparency, ensuring that healthcare decision-makers have access to the most reliable evidence."

Criteria for Obtaining Badges

To qualify for these prestigious badges, authors must meet specific requirements: - **Preregistered Badge:** Research must be documented in a public registration system before data collection. - **Open Data Badge:** Authors are required to provide data that can be used to replicate the findings. - **Open Materials Badge:** Sufficient details must be shared for others to replicate the methodology.

How It Works

Starting now, authors can apply for these badges during the manuscript submission process to *Value in Health*. The journal will implement a thorough review system to validate that all provided links lead to publicly accessible preregistrations, data, or materials.

A Commitment to Transparency

This initiative builds on ISPOR’s ongoing commitment to advancing transparency in research practices, augmented by collaborations such as the Real-World Evidence Registry. Abbott noted, "Transparency isn't just about meeting academic criteria; it’s about ensuring that the research we publish can be trusted and utilized by the global health economics community. These badges represent significant progress in our mission of promoting research excellence and informed healthcare decision-making."

Aligning with Global Standards

ISPOR's new badging program aligns with the widely recognized standards set by the Center for Open Science, joining over 100 journals worldwide in acknowledging transparent research practices. ISPOR's initiative includes specific considerations tailored for real-world evidence studies and pharmacoeconomic research.

About ISPOR and Value in Health

ISPOR, a leading international nonprofit organization, specializes in advancing health economics and outcomes research. The society serves as an essential resource for scientific conferences, peer-reviewed publications, education, collaboration, and resources within the field. Meanwhile, *Value in Health* is an esteemed journal dedicated to publishing original research and health policy articles that empower healthcare leaders to make evidence-based decisions. With a solid impact factor and a monthly readership exceeding 55,000, the journal stands as a vital conduit for health economics and outcomes research.