BMJ Group’s latest annual impact report highlights how trusted evidence is contributing to better decisions, stronger health systems and improved health outcomes around the world.
London, 22 September 2026 – BMJ Group is among the world’s top 10 academic publishers for the influence of its research on clinical guidelines and health policy, according to its new 2026 impact report. Research published in BMJ Group journals was cited nearly 5,000 times in new and updated clinical guidelines and health policy documents in 2025.
The report also shows wider access to BMJ Group research: 83% of research articles published in 2025 were open access, Read and Publish agreements cover 231 institutions worldwide, and authors in more than 100 countries benefited from article processing charge waivers.
Research impact often takes time to emerge. This report therefore focuses on influence achieved during the past year, rather than when the underlying research was published, recognising the time needed for evidence to shape policy, clinical guidance and patient care.
The report is organised around three areas: Better evidence, better decisions and better systems. It brings together examples of BMJ Group research and clinical knowledge being used to inform health policy, clinical practice and healthcare systems around the world.
Examples highlighted in the report include:
“The evidence environment is changing rapidly. Open access, the growth of global research, and artificial intelligence are reshaping how evidence is created, shared and used, making rigorous judgement, strong editorial standards and accountability more important than ever.”
Niels Peter Thomas
Chief executive officer, BMJ Publishing
Explore our impact
Read more about how BMJ Group’s research, clinical knowledge and partnerships are contributing to better health outcomes around the world.
In our annual impact reports, we highlight our progress in research, education, publishing, and policy, and the ripple effect that better knowledge creates for patients and health systems worldwide.
Our vision is a healthier world where knowledge transforms care. As a global healthcare knowledge provider and wholly owned subsidiary of the British Medical Association (BMA), we remain focused on empowering health communities to not just survive, but thrive.
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