When writing for an audience of your peers or a non-specialized audience, how you write matters as much as what you write. Communicating your message with integrity is a way to enhance trust in your publication and ensure that you are communicating your message effectively and respectfully.
In this series on Communicating with Integrity, we discuss some of the key factors to consider incorporating when preparing your manuscript.
It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. In this article, we reflect on how images can expand the reach of a publication—provided they are used responsibly. Building inclusivity and accessibility into your research presentation can engage a diverse audience equally, ensuring that your work is not only seen but understood by all.
The Coalition for Diversity & Inclusion in Scholarly Communication’s Guidelines on Inclusive Language and Images in Scholarly Communication offer a valuable framework for authors, editors, and reviewers. These guidelines emphasize that inclusive images should both take into account accessibility needs and portray people respectfully, disrupting stereotypes rather than reinforcing them. Karger Publishers recommends referring to these guidelines when preparing a manuscript.
Accessible Images: Why Alt Text Matters
Alternative text, otherwise known as alt text, is a short textual description linked to an image that conveys its content or message. It allows screen reader users and others with visual impairments to interpret images through words. Karger’s commitment to accessibility is reflected on our policies page. As part of this mission, Karger aims to have alternative text (alt text) for all figures in online journal articles published from 2026 and e-books published after June 2025.
To facilitate the inclusion of reliable image alt text, authors are encouraged to provide image descriptions during the manuscript submission. Reviewers and editors are then prompted to assess the provided alt text during peer review to ensure that the provided information supports meaningful interpretation of the images for those with visual impairments. Writing impactful and clear alt text is a skill that must be developed and, accordingly, Karger provides guidance for our authors and reviewers with examples of appropriate alt text and the difference between this and figure legends.
Inclusive Imagery: Beyond Accessibility
Inclusivity in imagery means being mindful of representation. Images should reflect diversity without reinforcing stereotypes, and using images that portray individuals in ways that perpetuate bias should be avoided. Authors should consider whether demographic identifiers (e.g., race, gender) are relevant to an image’s purpose. If not, these should be omitted from the alt text and figure legends. When demographic identifiers are relevant, be specific and respectful and use community-adopted terms where possible.
Copyright and Image Reuse: What Authors Should Know
In addition to ensuring image accessibility and inclusivity, authors must also be attentive of copyright when including images in their manuscripts. Whether the image is sourced externally or created by the author, copyright considerations apply. Our Karger Rights & Permissions page has detailed guidance on this topic.
In general, authors are responsible for obtaining the relevant permissions to reuse published images, even if the image was created themselves. If the image was published under a specific license—such as a Creative Commons license (e.g., CC-BY, CC-BY-ND)—authors must verify the exact terms of reuse and whether additional permissions are required for that purpose. In addition, the licenses of images that appear in public domain are not always clear-cut. Some images of old artworks or historical items may appear to be in the public domain, but the photograph itself may be copyrighted by the museum or photographer. If it’s unclear whether reuse is allowed, it is best to request permission, rather than use the image without the proper license.
Karger provides a streamlined process for requesting reuse permissions via the RightsLink® platform. Authors can access this tool directly from the image within the article, at the top of the article page, or through the Karger Image Explorer. This ensures that permissions are obtained efficiently and transparently. By respecting copyright and licensing rules, authors uphold ethical standards and avoid potential legal complications. This is a vital part of communicating with integrity—ensuring that your work is not only inclusive and accessible but also legally sound.
In closing, images can be powerful tools for communication, but only when used with care. By incorporating accessibility and inclusivity into your visual content, you not only meet ethical and legal standards—you also foster trust and engagement with a broader audience. In doing so, you uphold the principles of Communicating with Integrity and contribute to a more equitable scholarly publishing landscape.
(Featured image declaration: Photo by Unsplash from Freerange Stock)
