The original name of the International Journal of Radiation Biology (often called the blue journal) was International Journal of Radiation Biology and related studies in Physics, Chemistry and Medicine. While we will not change the journal name from IJRB to include this longer name from the first issue, we hope to recover this concept of having IJRB not cover only radiation biology but also aspects that are related to the other disciplines that embrace the radiation sciences. By January 2018, we will regain this longer title as a subtitle to the journal and begin to explore papers that cover this broader range of topics. IJRB welcomes high-quality papers in the radiation disciplines as was the original intention of the journal.
During this past year, we have published several special issues including one in memory of Bill Morgan, a dedicated and beloved member of the radiation community who passed away. The special issue was based on the proceedings of several symposia at the Radiation Research Society meeting in 2017 and includes some remarkable and important reviews related to areas of special interest to Bill including low-dose radiation biology. The US House Subcommittee on Science and Energy requested a copy of the issue related to discussion of funding for low-dose radiation studies. We also have several special issues in the works for this coming year and hope to continue expanding in this direction. The editorial office welcomes suggestions from Guest Editors and appropriate topics for future special issues.
Working with Taylor and Francis, we have begun to exploit media to make both the broad scientific community and the public aware of on-going work in the field. We have had several media releases this past year that have led to press coverage of our work. We plan to expand this in the coming year to enhance exposure of the work of our authors.
In 2019, IJRB will celebrate its 60th anniversary at the International Congress of Radiation Research to be held from 25 to 29 August 2019 in Manchester, UK. We have already begun planning the 60th anniversary issue and additionally anticipate carrying some editorials and historical reflections from past years to emphasize the important role that past discoveries have played in today’s radiation research. Suggestions for topics and reflections are welcomed for celebration of this special anniversary.
I extend special thanks to the Advisory Board, Associate Editors, Guest Editors, and reviewers for their incredible work over the year. This is a remarkable team of scientists who devote considerable effort for improving the quality and the visibility of the journal. Taylor and Francis has provided important input into the journal and of course handles operational issues. Special thanks are extended to Dianne Dixon who keeps the journal running and efficient.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.