FEBS Open Bio – 2020 in Review
Last year was a tumultuous one for all of us on many levels – researchers found themselves unable to enter their laboratories, careers were put on hold, and many people had to juggle work commitments and childcare as schools and nurseries closed. More widely, healthcare workers and health services have been put under enormous strain, and the effects of lockdowns on industry, the economy, and physical and mental health are likely to be considerable. It was against this backdrop that FEBS Open Bio experienced its busiest year to date, with several new developments and an enormous increase in submissions and acceptances. In an editorial in the January 2021 issue of FEBS Open Bio, Professor Miguel A. De la Rosa reflects on the achievements of and challenges faced by the journal in his first year as Editor-in-Chief.
Such events include:
• The journal held its first ever Editorial Board meeting, which also became its first ever virtual event due to travel restrictions.
• Submissions increased by an amazing 71% in 2020 as compared to 2019, and acceptances increased by 65%.
• The introduction of the Editorial Advisory Board to assist editors with reviewing manuscripts. This was a timely innovation, as it allowed the journal to better handle the large influx of submissions later in the year.
In addition, the Editor-in-Chief outlined his plans for 2021, including:
• A new interview series with our editorial board.
• A special issue to commemorate the journal’s 10th anniversary.
• The FEBS Open Bio prizes for the FEBS Congress.
• A new “In the Limelight” section containing review articles on a given topic.
The full editorial can be found here. We encourage you to share in the journal’s success by considering submitting your work to FEBS Open Bio in 2021.