About us

Since 1840, BMJ Group has been at the forefront of providing research, knowledge, and education to health professionals worldwide, envisioning a healthier world for all. With a global reach spanning five offices across the UK, the Americas, India, and China, we maintain our position as one of the most trusted brands in the world by providing the very best publishing expertise, digital health tools, and learning resources. Every month, over 11 million visitors frequent our websites to access the most relevant and reliable research available.

Evolved from the Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal to the esteemed general medical journal, The BMJ, our journey embodies continuous evolution and innovation. As pioneers of online medical publishing since 1995, we strive to uphold the highest editorial standards while embracing technological advancements. Our focus extends beyond publication metrics; we actively support authors from low and lower-middle-income countries, champion equity, diversity, and inclusion, and safeguard the integrity of scientific research globally. With BMJ New Ventures, our startup investment initiative, we work with partners aligned with our vision and values, fostering innovation and driving positive change in healthcare and beyond. 

From publishing research to investigating and responding to allegations of misconduct, we always treat researchers and institutions fairly and courteously so that they have a safe platform to share their research or raise concerns. We do this collectively by working in partnership with editors and publishing staff on all issues related to research integrity, at every stage of the publication process.

Today, a big focus for us is to help authors from low and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) get published in their journal of choice. In 2022, 55.9% of all LMIC-originated research was published open access, up from 36.4% in 2021. We also align our editorial voice with our internal operational practices by setting the standard in the way we can all play a key role in making change in the areas of improving patient care, protecting the planet, and supporting social mobility.

Our values give us the focus and direction to bring about our vision for a healthier world by sharing knowledge and expertise to help health professionals improve healthcare outcomes.

The BMJ is the first ever medical journal to receive the ‘Patients Included’ award for its strategy to encourage doctors and patients to work together as partners to improve healthcare. This important initiative has rippled across the business, with 75% of BMJ Events advisory committees including at least one patient, and 90% of all BMJ Best Practice leaflets have been reviewed by a patient panel.

In 2022, The BMJ’s UK Covid Inquiry Series highlighted how the political response to the covid-19 pandemic often failed to properly consider science. The articles raised important questions about the transparency and accountability of political decision making during the pandemic. They question the government’s resistance to scrutiny, lack of transparency, and failure to correct mistakes as knowledge and experience accumulated.

These principles are not just buzzwords; they are essential to enhancing the integrity and relevance of our work, ensuring that our content is relevant for diverse audiences across the globe.

In a continuously evolving healthcare landscape, we recognise the vital role that journals can play in advocating for underrepresented groups in research, clinical practice, and scholarly publishing. By addressing systemic biases and fostering an environment of inclusivity, we are shaping a future where every voice is heard and valued.

Our EDI promise is woven into the fabric of our organisation. We have initiated practices that challenge the status quo, from actively opposing racism to eliminating barriers in publishing. We actively encourage those who work for us and with us to join our journey—one that champions diverse perspectives and promotes a healthier, more equitable world for all. 

At BMJ Group, our approach to using artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly, ethically, sustainably, and safely is guided by four principles: transparency and accountability, integrity and quality control, privacy and data security, and collaboration and inclusivity. 

As AI technology rapidly evolves, we will adapt our approach, procedures, and governance to meet new challenges with the most sustainable options and industry best practices.

Transparency is central to our workflows, including the use of AI. All AI-generated content must be disclosed, with identifiable steps and retrievable data for validation and accountability. We hold BMJ Group staff accountable for verifying and overseeing AI outputs, always prioritising human review and responsibility in all workflows involving AI.

Our quality control standards ensure AI enhances, not replaces, the processes behind delivering trusted healthcare information. Dedicated experts verify all AI-driven contributions to meet evidence-based standards, prioritising patient safety and clinical accuracy in all AI applications.

We strictly adhere to data security policies to protect internal and customer information. Our use of AI is always responsible, adhering to data protection law.  

Promoting a collaborative approach to AI development and usage is embedded within BMJ Group’s culture. As strong advocates of a world that supports equity, diversity and inclusiveness, diverse perspectives are always considered to meet all communities’ and stakeholders’ needs equitably.