It is an exciting time for the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine (IJBM)! As we prepare to convene in Vancouver, I am reflective about the many new things on the horizon for IJBM. I look forward to the opportunities to interact with our inspiring scientific community at the Congress both formally and informally. In fact, I invite all attendees to join us at the IJBM-organized session, “Reporting our Science: A Panel Session with Editors of Behavioral Medicine Journals” on Friday, Aug 25, 2023 (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM). In addition to IJBM, we have called together editors from Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Stress & Health, Journal of Behavioral Medicine, Behavioral Medicine, Psychology & Health, Health Psychology, and Psychosomatic Medicine to talk about publishing in behavioral medicine journals, the unique qualities of the various journals, and the use of open science practices. This should prove to be an exciting and informative session.
While in Vancouver, IJBM is also extremely excited to present the 2021 and 2022 Springer Awards for Excellence in Publication in Behavioral Medicine. This annual award begun in 2019 and sponsored by our publishing partner, Springer Nature, acknowledges excellence behavioral medicine research published in IJBM. In addition, we will debut a new category of awards at this year’s Congress, the IJBM Regional Awards for Excellence in Publication in Behavioral Medicine. These include an awardee each from Asia, Australia, North America, South America, and Europe. Stay tuned for the announcement of this year’s panel of awardees.
The next year will also bring the release of two special issues, both that are well underway. The number of submissions to our first special issue, “Social Isolation and Loneliness in Acute and Chronic Illness” (Special Issue Editors: Allison Marziliano and Michael Diefenbach) far exceeded our expectations. The pandemic ignited increased interest in the study of social isolation and loneliness, and we are thrilled to be compiling such a high-quality issue for IJBM. The second, “Advancing the Science of Behavioral Medicine: Meta-Analyses and Foundational Reviews” (Special Issue Editors: Chun-Qing Zhang, Ren Liu, Michael Hoyt) leverages the 30-year anniversary of IJBM to focus on synthesizing the scientific study of key areas in the field.
Finally, and with many mixed emotions, we have announced the call for a new IJBM Editor-in-Chief. The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for the overall management of the journal and is responsible for all editorial text that appears in the journal. The editorship is a five-year term and is confirmed by the concurrence of the ISBM Board, current Editor-in-Chief, and with approval of the ISBM Governing Council. Applications should include a brief letter of application, a curriculum vitae, a statement of your conception of the journal (e.g., the kinds of articles you would like to see published, the kinds of innovations you would want to introduce, thoughts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion among associate editors/editorial board staffing and the science relevant to the journal), and a letter of support from your institution. Applications are due via email to IJBMed@uci.edu by November 1, 2023, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
There is much happening at IJBM! I am thrilled that I get to continually contribute, promote the sound science of Behavioral Medicine, and take part in this tremendous professional community.
And, as always, don’t forget to join us on Twitter at @IJBMed!
