I have just finished editing this second issue of the Nordic Journal of Criminology. Being halfway through my time as an editor, I believe this is a great time to look both back and forward. During my year and a half as an editor, I have come to acknowledge how important, and sometimes also difficult, it is to choose a title and write an abstract that are informative while at the same time alluring to the reader. I have also found new appreciation for the work of previous editors, not least of Kauko Aromaa, who passed away earlier this year. He was this journal’s first editor-in-chief, established the journal, and gave it a truly successful start.
Naturally, authors, reviewers and readers are the core of this journal. The journal name change that was implemented this year might initially make authors more reluctant to submit their articles to the ‘new’ journal, and readers can have some trouble recognizing the journal. However, we are happy to note that this does not seem to be the case with Nordic Journal of Criminology. Compared to last year, the number of submissions have increased during 2019. Additionally, the number of full text downloads of articles published in this journal is continually increasing. The total number of downloads so far this year is 23,200; which is 63 per cent higher than the same time last year. That makes all of us who have worked on the journal very pleased.
Going forward, I intend to continue to work closely with the Scandinavian Research Council for Criminology (NSfK), the main funder, to develop the journal. This includes plans for a special issue on sexual violence, which is also the theme of the forthcoming NSfK research seminar. So keep your eyes open for a special issue call for papers! Moreover, we will continue to reward one published article each year with our ‘Best Article’ prize. Social media and conferences are also important in continuing to promote Nordic Journal of Criminology. Through these and other channels, I am constantly looking for new ways to make this journal more visible, and to make myself available for questions or comments regarding the journal.
With hopes of seeing you at a conference someday,