Editor-In-Chief Loren Wold Discusses Changes at The FASEB Journal

By: Loren Wold
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
The following editorial appears in The FASEB Journal.

I am honored and privileged to assume the role of Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal. Before I introduce several new initiatives, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Drs. Denis Baskin and Thoru Pederson for their exceptional contributions as Editors of the journal. Their meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication have firmly established the journal's reputation, and I am enthusiastic about guiding its continued upward trajectory.

Previously, I had the distinct privilege of serving as the Editor-in-Chief of Life Sciences for the past decade, as well as holding editorial positions in several other reputable journals. I am confident that these journals are in capable hands, ensuring their continued progress. Currently, I am a professor in the Division of Cardiac Surgery within the Department of Surgery at The Ohio State University. Additionally, I serve as the Associate Dean for Research Operations and Compliance in the College of Medicine. My research expertise lies in cardiovascular physiology, particularly in the realm of cardiomyocyte biology. My laboratory is actively engaged in investigating the influence of the environment on cardiovascular disease pathology. I firmly believe that maintaining an active research program while serving in an editorial capacity mutually benefits both roles, and I am eager to contribute to the advancements in both domains.

In the coming months, we will introduce several new initiatives at The FASEB Journal aimed at enhancing visibility, strengthening the open access platform, and prioritizing the editorial process. Over the years, the journal has relied on an extensive Editorial Board encompassing diverse expertise in basic science and medicine. Going forward, our focus will be on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of the editorial process, including engaging individuals at all career levels.

As an editorial team, we bear the responsibility of shaping narratives, influencing perspectives, and representing the voices of our diverse readership. It is imperative that all those involved in the editorial process acknowledge and champion the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). These principles transcend mere buzzwords and form the foundation for progress, empathy, and empowerment of diverse communities. It is our duty to embrace and amplify diverse voices, ensuring our work resonates with all readers and contributes to building a more inclusive society. In line with these principles, we will be establishing an Early Career Editorial Board, comprising emerging researchers who have not previously served as Assistant/Associate Editors of a journal but possess the drive to shape the journal's content. If you are interested in contributing to the journal in this capacity, please reach out to me.

Equity extends beyond equality. As editors, it is crucial to foster fairness and equal opportunities for all contributors. Proactively seeking perspectives from marginalized communities and addressing systemic barriers enables editors to rectify historical imbalances. By prioritizing equity, we create pathways for underrepresented authors to have their voices heard, dismantling exclusionary practices within the publication process. Inclusion lies at the core of DEI. Inclusive editors actively invite and integrate diverse perspectives throughout the editorial process. By fostering inclusion, editors promote collaboration, mutual respect, and meaningful dialogue among contributors, resulting in more comprehensive narratives that truly capture the essence of our diverse world. To promote the latest scientific findings published in the journal, we will embark on a social media campaign utilizing multiple platforms, including podcasts. We warmly welcome your ideas on how best to broadcast the exciting new science featured in the journal.

An editorial team committed to DEI is better equipped to tackle complex societal issues. By incorporating diverse viewpoints, we ensure that our content remains relevant, accurate, and avoids perpetuating harmful biases or stereotypes. Such content not only educates readers but also fosters empathy, understanding, and drives positive change within the publishing landscape.

The world of publishing has changed significantly, with many new artificial intelligence-driven methods available to not only compose articles but to detect when they have been used. We must remain vigilant of the new devices used to interfere with the publication process, but also develop new programs to harness the potential of the various methodologies available to authors.

The FASEB Journal possesses the power to shape narratives and influence public discourse. Embracing DEI should be seen as an essential responsibility, not an optional endeavor. By prioritizing DEI and appreciating that the tools available to authors continue to increase, we will create content that reflects the realities of our diverse world, amplifies marginalized voices, and contributes to a more equitable and inclusive publication platform. Let us seize this opportunity to foster empathy, challenge biases, and lead the way toward a brighter and more inclusive future in the field of science.

We look forward to receiving your best science, and I guarantee that your work will be given a fair, balanced, timely, and rigorous review.

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To view Loren Wold's Meet the Editor video, click here.