Following author feedback collected as part of our recent Editorial on how we can make research published in Journal of Applied Ecology more accessible, we are delighted to announce the launch of Plain Language Summaries.

What are they?

Plain Language Summaries, also referred to as lay summaries, are simple short-form overviews of published academic articles. Their main aim is to ensure that research is made more accessible to a wider, general audience. As such, they avoid assuming a high level of prior subject-specific knowledge.

For Journal of Applied Ecology in particular, these summaries may also help to trigger real-world changes in policy, practice, and behaviour through the availability of research to key stakeholders in environmental management.

Who can make use of this initiative?

The option to submit a Plain Language Summary is open to all authors who have had their article accepted for publication in Journal of Applied Ecology. While they are not mandatory, we are hopeful that authors will choose to take advantage of this initiative where possible to help share their research outside of traditional academic circles.

Who can read them?

Once an article is published, a link to the accompanying Plain Language Summary will be added to the article’s abstract. As the abstract of every article is free to read regardless of the full article’s publication status, Plain Language Summaries will be available for every article published with us.

Once the link is clicked, you will be redirected to our new Plain Language Summaries blog category – this will host all pieces that are submitted to us.

You will soon be able to find all Plain Language Summaries in our dedicated blog category. If you would like to read our Editorial on real-world impact, please find it here.