Soil use and management – developments in recognition of your contributions

Abstract

In 2016, for the first time, the two journals of the British Society of Soil Science, Soil Use and Management and the European Journal of Soil Science, identified Editors’ Choice lists of publications to highlight some of the innovative work that had been submitted. At the Annual Meeting of the Society, held at the University of Reading (UK) in September, the authors of the top selections were invited to give an oral presentation of their papers. We aim to continue this recognition next year as part of the Society's celebration of its 70th anniversary. This is only one of several initiatives to be undertaken in 2017. There is increasing need to ensure that all our authors and reviewers are properly recognized. We already have a procedure in place that allows reviewers to gain acknowledgement for their vital contribution to the journal. ‘Publons’ provides the means to record and verify your contributions to peer review through refereeing papers for SUM. Recognition is noted even though our reviews are anonymous and whether or not the papers you work on are eventually published. The extent to which you use the information in establishing and maintaining your professional reputation depends on individual circumstances. The British Society of Soil Science has decided, in agreement with its Editors-in-Chief and our publisher, Wiley, to require authors to have an Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID iD) for all papers submitted from January 2017. This ensures that each author gets credit for every publication, no matter where your name appears on a paper. Even if your name is the same as someone who has published in SUM or, as can sometimes be the case, that you adopt another name, your ORCID iD ensures that it is always credited to you. The system also can help you to avoid entering the same information time after time when submitting manuscripts or applying for grants. ORCID is a registry of unique identifiers for researchers and scholars that is open, nonproprietary, transparent, mobile and community-based. The ORCID id provides a long-lasting digital identifier that differentiates you from all other researchers, and allows you to link all your professional activities automatically. To allow you to submit your next article, you can claim your free ORCID iD at http://orcid.org/register, which allows you to import your research output as well as biographical information. Further information is available at http://orcid.org. Finally, the two Editors-in-Chief want to make you aware that the final issues of the two Journals in 2017 will largely consist of papers that are being specially sought to put the final touches to celebrate the 70 years of service to soil science given by our Society. Please contact us if you want to discuss this or any other of the celebratory activities during 2017.