Plain language summaries: Enabling increased diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in scholarly publishing

circle Plain language summaries (PLS) are accessible, short, peerreviewed summaries of scholarly journal articles written in nontechnical language. circle The aim of PLS is to enable a broader audience of experts and non-experts to understand the original article. circle Here, we outline the evidence base for the value and impact of PLS and how they can enable diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in scholarly publishing. circle PLS can diversify readership and authorship, address information inequity, include typically under-represented stakeholders and provide an accessible route into scholarly literature.