Professor Eric Rubin, Editor-in-Chief of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), visited Vita-Salute San Raffaele University for a conversation that reached far beyond journal metrics or editorial workflows. Invited by a group of medical students, and supported by faculty and University staff Rubin described the experience as a particular honor: a chance to speak directly to those who will soon be shaping the future of medicine. 

“There’s nothing better than being invited by students,” he said. “They’re curious, engaged—and they’re using the Journal as a tool to learn. I love seeing that.” 

Rubin’s lecture focused on how NEJM selects and shapes research for publication—but the discussion quickly turned to how science translates into care. He emphasized the often overlooked importance of studies that show no significant effect.

“Studies that show no difference or yield negative results are just as important as those with positive outcomes,” Rubin explained. “They challenge established practices, prevent the unnecessary use of ineffective interventions, and ultimately contribute to better, evidence-based care.” 

This emphasis on the value of negative results and data integrity found a clear echo in the reflections of institutional leadership. Prof. Gianvito Martino, UniSR’s Prorector for the Third Mission and Research and Scientifc Director of IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, highlighted that scientific publishing should never be judged solely by the name of the journal. The foundation of any valuable research is solid, reproducible data. Journals are the means—not the measure—of that quality. “Produce good science,” he stressed, “and good journals will follow.” 

Reframing success in Medicine 

Rubin also addressed a pressure deeply felt among medical students: the fear that success is measured by high-impact publications. While NEJM carries enormous prestige, Rubin urged students not to conflate that with their value as future physicians or researchers. 

“People often hold up publishing in NEJM as the pinnacle of a medical career. But that’s just not true. The best thing you can do in medicine is make a difference. If that means publishing in the Journal, great. But if it means changing one patient’s life, that’s equally great.” 

This perspective deeply resonated within theSan Raffaele Research Campus. Faculty members with significant publishing experience—including Professors Landoni, Aiuti, and Bernardo, all authors of NEJM papers—echoed the message. Prof. Landoni has recently published his latest article in NEJM, further underlining the strong connection between the University and the journal. They described Rubin’s visit as a rare and moving encounter: “A man of immense knowledge, and at the same time, incredibly humble.”. His openness and accessibility left a lasting impression on both colleagues and students. 

Reflecting on the role of prestige in science, these professors emphasized that the true hallmark of impactful research is rigor. Whether a paper ends up in a top-tier journal or a smaller one, what counts is the solidity of the method, the reproducibility of results, and the quality of thought behind the data. Impact is not dictated by metrics alone—it’s measured by how research changes care, informs policy, or opens new paths for inquiry. 

“What matters,” they reinforced, “is knowing how to work with seriousness and method. Prestige might follow, but the work comes first—and it should never be evaluated purely by where it's published. Many Nobel-winning discoveries appeared in good, not necessarily top-ranked journals. Impact shows up in many forms.” 

Back row (left to right): Prof. Antonella Castagna, Dr. Rosario Losiggio, Prof. Alessandro Aiuti, Mattia Casadei, Paolo Aresu, Prof. Eric Rubin, Paolo Pallavicini, Prof. Giacomo Monti, UniSR Managing Director Anna Flavia d'Amelio Einaudi, Prof. Sonia Levi, Dr. Roberto Buccione, Francesco Costa. Front row (left to right): Prof. Maria Ester Bernardo, Prof. Giovanni Landoni.

Ambition and the future of clinical research 

Looking ahead, Rubin highlighted rapidly evolving fields like oncology and cardiology—areas currently driven by breakthrough drugs and large-scale trials. But he challenged the next generation of researchers to aim higher than incremental progress, particularly in less-studied areas where innovation is most needed. 

“I’d like to see real innovation in areas with less progress. Not everything has to be a small step. Most bold attempts will fail—but that ambition matters.” 

His call for bold science comes amid broader challenges in the global research landscape. As Dott. Roberto Buccione, UniSR Head of the Research Integrity Office, explains, political and institutional pressures can sometimes complicate the pursuit of evidence-based medicine. While European institutions such as San Raffaele continue to emphasize rigorous, independent research, in other settings, external factors—including funding decisions and policy shifts—may influence scientific priorities and communication. “The responsibility to safeguard science – Buccione states – doesn't fall solely on journals. It also belongs to researchers, clinicians, and educators—who must not only produce evidence but communicate it clearly, accurately, and independently”.