Passing the torch of the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research—Part A

Abstract

The field of biomaterials science is a constant wonder, with the advent or application of new chemistries; novel methods to characterize biomaterials in unprecedented resolution; and exciting applications of existing, composite, or innovative biomaterials to biomedical problems. The journal will continue to publish original contributions concerning studies of the preparation, performance, and evaluation of biomaterials and the response of blood and tissues to biomaterials. In addition, interdisciplinary areas are covered, such as tissue engineering, medical devices, and controlled release technology where biomaterials play a significant role. We welcome high-quality submissions by investigators throughout the world who are making exciting advancements in these areas. The journal will also continue to publish award-winning papers selected annually by SFB, as well as timely and critical review articles. Over the last several years, the publication landscape for biomaterials research has grown substantially and provides many opportunities to publish one's work. Such decisions are made for many reasons, including the publication process, perceptions of journal impact, alignment with a professional society, turnaround time for decision, ability to effectively reach one's target audience, and visibility of the work. As the official journal of the SFB, I aim to ensure that JBMR Part A is at the top of every author's list when considering where to submit their best work. We can accomplish this by (a) identifying, inviting, and accepting high quality work; (b) publishing articles that are of wide interest; and (c) increasing the visibility and contributions of accepted articles. We have identified a collection of new Associate Editors, representing the breadth of research within our discipline. Along with myself, these individuals will be tasked with managing the review process closely in order to ensure the quality and rigor of submissions and accelerate our time to first decision. It is my goal that all submissions to the journal receive a first decision in less than 1 month. Furthermore, we have empowered Associate Editors to personally solicit submissions at scientific meetings and to also reach decisions based on their own evaluation of submissions. We need to continue striving to decrease turnaround time, increase diversity of submissions, and ensure that only high-quality papers are published. It is imperative that we accelerate publication if we are to elevate the journal to the highest level. In addition, we will use social media and other platforms to highlight the publication of new work in the journal and amplify its reach throughout the community. I will regularly evaluate the composition of our Editorial Board to ensure its involvement in our mission. Participation on our Editorial Board is an honor and recognition of great accomplishments in our discipline, and I will leverage this expertise in several ways. I will call upon the Board for advice and suggestions to continually improve all aspects of the journal. Members of the Board will be asked to evaluate papers in a timely manner. Emerging initiatives will include a reviewer mentoring program to provide personal training on best practices for reviewing papers in the journal, where trainees will be selected and matched with members of the Board. This will provide an opportunity to enhance reviewer expertise and build a connection between trainees and the journal as a preferred target for submitting manuscripts. These initiatives will empower the Board to have a lasting, positive influence on the future of the journal. Such a venture requires the participation of many individuals. Our publisher Wiley is continually working to streamline the submission process to make the submission of your manuscript faster and more efficient. Our Associate Editors and Editorial Board work hard in this largely volunteer effort because of their commitment to our discipline. Our scientific community should submit our best work to JBMR Part A and say “yes” when asked to serve as reviewers. Your reviews should be thoughtful, accurate, and returned in a timely manner to improve the quality of the work and shorten the review time. We must continue to improve the quality of work published in our journal through critical discussions at annual meetings, effective reviews of submitted papers, and referencing papers from our journal in other publications. I look forward to representing our societies and discipline in this important role and partnering with Wiley Publishing to expand the reach of our journal around the globe. It is an exciting time in our field. Please embrace the JBMR Part A and help us reach the heights that our journal deserves. Onward and upward! Kent