Looking forward

Abstract

It is with great pleasure that I am writing my first introductory editorial as the new editor of the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal. I am fortunate to be taking on this role after a period of great growth and development of the Journal which has ultimately led to the ISI listing. This listing is a wonderful achievement for Janet Fricke and the editorial team. This development well and truly positions the Journal on the international stage and we are likely to see an increase in the number and quality of submissions as a result. Gaining a reasonable impact factor which will be published in 2010 is the next challenge. Another exciting announcement is the introduction of a new annual award The Kryss McKenna First Time Writer's Award. This award was established by OT AUSTRALIA to honour the dedication and significant contribution made by Associate Professor Kryss McKenna to developing academic occupational therapy writers in Australia. It also acknowledges her long and productive association with the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal. The inaugural award will be presented at the National Conference. I encourage you all to attend the 23rd National Conference, be inspired, research and write, thus adding to our ever increasing evidence for practice. I would like to say a big thank you to reviewers, who are critical in maintaining a high standard of publications. The conference will be a great opportunity to meet with other reviewers and members of the Editorial team. We are always in need of experts to review for the Journal so if you would like to sign up you can do so by registering through manuscript central. I would also like to sincerely thank Janet and everyone involved in the Journal for supporting me in my new role.