Meet Dr. Daral J. Jackwood, Advocate of Open Access Science

COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Research – one of the most important drivers of progress in the modern world. From scientific discoveries to medical breakthroughs and beyond, most advances in technology, science and medicine are the result of years and years of hard work and painstaking attention to detail. Traditionally, most researchers are a competitive lot, driven to find answers to theoretic questions and to solve nature's biggest mysteries.

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Daral J. Jackwood, Ph.D., a Professor in the Food Animal Health Research Program at The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster, Ohio, is convinced there are opportunities for significant improvement in the way research is conducted. Dr. Jackwood is a strong advocate of moving research from competition to collaboration, an approach that he believes could find answers and solve mysteries more effectively and, possibly, even more quickly.

"One of my primary goals is to advance the field of animal disease diagnostics in order to ensure the safety of the world's food supply," said Dr. Jackwood. "Rarely does a week go by without hearing a news story about contamination in the food chain, particularly when it comes to food products from animals. Sharing the vast amount of scientific effort and research about animal health and food safety could provide significant breakthroughs in protecting our food supply. Today's global economy requires increased vigilance and rapid response – both of which are served best by a collaborative approach."

As a strong advocate for collaboration, Dr. Jackwood understands actions are more powerful than words. That understanding led to the founding of www.DiagnosticSpeak.com, a unique forum dedicated to advancing open access science within the community of infectious disease investigators. Researchers are encouraged to utilize this forum to share discoveries, seek insight and advance the field of animal disease diagnostics. The end-game, of course, is to ensure the safety of the world's food supply.

"DiagnosticSpeak.com was created in 2008 as a way for the research community to both connect and stay better informed about emerging diseases and animal health issues," continued Dr. Jackwood. "Participants can exchange ideas on how to more efficiently conduct diagnostic assays and stay current as assays are developed by others. Just as importantly, infectious disease investigators can interact with colleagues on issues related to food safety, allowing them to better understand the meaning and value of diagnostic assay results. This collaborative approach can help preserve the integrity of the food chain for all of us."

Participation in DiagnosticSpeak.com is open to infectious disease investigators world-wide. There is no fee to join this vibrant Online community; rather, participants are encouraged to comment on the work of fellow researchers while submitting their own work for review. "Researchers everywhere are invited to participate so we can learn from each other while better understanding the meaning and value of diagnostic assay results – all in a secure, members-only forum."

A picture of Daral J. Jackwood, Ph.D., is attached. For more information, please contact Dr. Jackwood directly: by email at [email protected], or by phone at (330)263-3964. Dr. Jackwood is available for interviews with media, as well as professionals within the research community.

SOURCE DiagnosticSpeak.com