Data-driven targeting to enhance publication impact 

An aspect that has become imperative for medical affairs and scientific communications professionals in a data-driven world is the ability to harness data.  This is the central theme of a recent podcast episode released by the Medical Affairs Professional Society (MAPS) “Work Smarter, Publish Stronger: Data-Driven Targeting.” In the podcast,  Mike Taylor, Head of Data Insights at Altmetric, and Mike Cashman, Senior Director at Mavens, explore how smarter ways to harness data can empower publications teams to make more impactful decisions.

Finding clear insights from a sea of data

As Mike Taylor aptly describes, navigating the sea of data can be overwhelming. For publications teams, the challenge often lies in making sense of the vast array of metrics—citations, clinical uptake, policy mentions, and more—and translating them into actionable insights. Historically, teams relied on reputational metrics like journal impact factors, but times have changed. Taylor points out, “Impact is no longer just about where you publish; it’s about how your work influences clinical practice and policy.”

In the podcast, the speakers highlight the importance of integrating data directly into the decision-making process. Mike Cashman speaks about how tools like Altmetric and Dimensions are enabling teams to compare journals side-by-side, using visual metrics to guide target selection. And by embedding these insights into day-to-day workflows, teams can make confident, data-driven decisions without the need for extensive manual analysis.

The need to understand the role of AI

Another aspect covered by the speakers is the role of AI in publications planning. Although the way AI is being used is still evolving, its potential to provide predictive and prescriptive insights is undeniable. As Cashman notes, “AI can act as a background assistant, offering suggestions and options at the point of decision-making.” However, both speakers emphasized the need for human oversight, particularly in regulated environments where accuracy and context are paramount.

This podcast underscores Altmetric and Digital Science’s  commitment to empowering medical affairs professionals with the tools and insights they need to succeed. Leveraging real-world signals and integrating them into intuitive platforms, helps  teams not only plan more effectively but also demonstrate the true impact of their work.

Listen Now

Tune in to the full episode of the Elevate podcast and discover how data-driven targeting is shaping the future of publications.

 Curious about how Altmetric can help your team make smarter, data-driven decisions? Reach out to learn more about our solutions or request a personalized demo today.