advancing-research-in-your-community-the-editor-s-role
March 02, 2021
There have been few times over the past 70 years when the efforts of dedicated researchers are as critical as they are right now. This past year has demonstrated that evidence-based decision-making has never been more important in every sphere of our lives. Researchers are also being asked to share the results of more sound research, as quickly as possible, to help avert new crises now and in the future.
As a journal editor, you also have a critical role to play. By accelerating the pace of research in your subject community, you can help the world prepare for the challenges to come in the 21st century.
Accelerating dissemination
One of the ways to accelerate the dissemination of research is through transfer networks, in which editors offer alternative publishing options to authors of scientifically sound manuscripts that aren’t a good fit for their first-choice journal. If these authors choose an alternative Wiley journal, they are guided through the resubmission process, saving valuable time and resources. Peer review reports travel along with the manuscript (where available), which also relieves pressure on limited reviewer time.
The benefits of this community-focused way of working are many. Editors of highly selective journals can advance research in their fields by showcasing the most novel research, but by supporting transfer networks they also advance the broader work of researchers in their community whose work is sound, but not suited to publication in their particular journals. What’s more, editors of all journals benefit from the opportunity to better match researchers and their manuscripts with the most appropriate journals.
From a researcher’s perspective, there are many benefits. They can publish and share their work more quickly without having to go back to square one in the submission process, which ultimately supports their career advancement and improves recognition for their work. But most of all, making sure that sound new research finds a home for publication will help us collectively solve the urgent challenges that we face.
Supporting your research community
More than half of the journals we publish participate in transfer networks and tens of thousands of researchers benefit from this service. Every day, more journals join a network to support the researchers in their community. Contact your Journal Publishing Manager to join or find out how to maximize your participation in transfer networks.
Actions you can take to further support your research community:
- Consider moving to free format submission.
- Make sure your journal is referring rejected sound papers through a transfer network or Wiley’s automated Transfer Desk Assistant.
- Speak to your Journal Publishing Manager about Research Exchange, our smarter submission platform.
- Help your authors prepare and promote articles with Wiley Editing Services.
Further reading
