Looking Back to Look Ahead

The history of the International Journal of Audiology dates back almost 60 years. My own journey with the journal is relatively short. It started in 2004 with my first publication. I soon found out that being an author in a journal means there is an unspoken exchange that sees you also become a regular reviewer. During the next five years as both an author and a reviewer, I experienced the relief of an accepted paper and the disappointment of a rejected one. In 2009 I assumed my third role with the journal as an Associate Editor. Now, 10 years later, I have the privilege to assume yet another role as the journal’s Editor-in-Chief, a daunting but gratifying responsibility.

Leaving a legacy

Over the past 14 years the International Journal of Audiology has become synonymous with the name Ross Roeser, its Editor-in-Chief from the University of Texas at Dallas, Callier Center, and his right-hand Managing Editor, Jackie Clark. Ross and Jackie’s wealth of experience, global network of colleagues and their personal commitment to the journal has seen it grow under their guidance. Over 50 leading international academics, representing every world region, have volunteered their expertise and time as associate editors to support the peer review process, attesting to the truly international standing of the journal. This group of esteemed associate editors has become more than just colleagues but personal friends and partners in the vision to see international audiology research of the highest standards disseminated. IJA has left an indelible mark on audiology research around the globe. On behalf of the IJA council, associate editors, reviewers and authors, we thank Drs. Roeser and Clark for their lasting legacy with IJA. I am also pleased that Dr. Clark will continue with me as my Managing Editor in moving the journal forward with the addition of a Processing Editor, Dr Marianne van Zyl. On a personal note, I am honoured to count Dr Roeser as both a mentor and personal friend. Having to fill his shoes is intimidating, but it is good to know that he will still be at-hand as an emeritus Editor-in-Chief.

Building the future

The quality of any journal is determined by the quality of its people. The combined contribution of our editorial board, reviewers and authors has solidified the journal’s reputation as the leading international platform to disseminate translational audiological research. At the heart of any journal’s success is the rigour of its peer-review process. Today this is more important than ever with the plethora of new online open-access publications, many of which are predatory. The loyal community of IJA reviewers has been critical to its success to date. Looking ahead, however, we would like to invite scientists and academics to actively participate in the IJA peer-review process. The voluntary nature of peer-review is part-and-parcel of being an academic and it is this quality assurance that ensures the legitimacy of published research. This is an investment in the continued credibility of the science that underlies everything we practice, teach and pursue in audiology.

In terms of dissemination, IJA and its publisher, Taylor & Francis, is committed to keep abreast of changing trends in peer-reviewed publishing to ensure the journal stays relevant and positioned for future changes in the industry. In recent years the benefits of using media channels to disseminate research findings to a wider audience has been demonstrated to include, amongst others, increasing the impact of research and helping to change practice. Building an online community around the journal’s published work and encouraging authors to promote their articles are becoming important tools to translate findings to a wider audience for more impact. With the support of our publisher, IJA will increase its effort to encourage and support authors with the dissemination of their research through appropriate media channels. For more information, see: https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/what-can-the-media-do-for-researchers

Looking ahead, the journal’s longstanding history, strong editorial board and its increasing impact hold the promise of an even brighter future. The editorial office will continue its work to expand the diversity and global representation of leading editors, reviewers and contributing authors to maintain and grow its international reach and influence. We invite you to continue the IJA journey with us as we see international audiology reach new heights and broader global impact.

De Wet Swanepoel, PhDEditor-in-Chief

Jackie L. Clark, PhDManaging Editor

Marianne van Zyl, PhDProcessing Editor

Ross J. Roeser, PhDEditor-in-Chief, Emeritus