SfN Journals Progress Toward Strategic Goals
Over the past five years, SfN's strategic plan for publishing has played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of its journals, JNeurosci and eNeuro. To achieve the desired outcomes identified in the plan, SfN has invested in strategic improvements and innovations to maintain SfN publications as sources for the best research across the breadth of neuroscience.
The first desired outcome in SfN’s strategic plan was to elevate the prestige of its journals. A significant effort was made to expand the use of social media and other communication channels, resulting in a noteworthy increase in followers of these channels over the last five years. SfN fully embraced platforms like Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to regularly share content and implemented targeted communication campaigns.
Additionally, the introduction of the Review article type in JNeurosci and the annual Spotlight feature has highlighted scientifically strong pieces. Special collections commemorating the Society's 50th anniversary and experimental calls for papers on intriguing topics further contributed to the journal’s strong reputation.
eNeuro focused on discussion pieces, fostering an identity as a hub for engaging scientific dialogue. Notable contributions, such as the Buszaki and Poeppel conversation pieces and special collections, have solidified eNeuro’s position as a platform for intriguing discussions in neuroscience.
The second desired outcome was to improve the manuscript submission and peer review process. The submission process was streamlined for both journals by focusing on simplifying the initial submission requirements and upgrading the submission system in 2019. The elimination of the JNeurosci submission fee in 2020 further facilitated manuscript submission.
SfN now annually recognizes reviewers, emphasizing the critical role they play in the science publishing process. The Reviewer Spotlight feature on the eNeuro blog profiles frequent reviewers, fostering a sense of appreciation within the reviewer community.
Third, SfN worked to further engage early career researchers in the peer review process. SfN launched the Reviewer Mentor Program in 2018. Graduates of the program were actively promoted as potential reviewers, with some featured in the Reviewers Spotlight feature. To further engage early career researchers, a trainee-written paper type, Research Highlights, was introduced in eNeuro. These pieces, written by trainees working in a researcher's lab, provide valuable insights into recently accepted papers.
Finally, SfN prioritized effective communication of the journals' value to potential authors. Beyond the focus on prestige, the association invested in author outreach and engagement after publication. Tools were provided to authors for better promotion of their work on social media and connecting with their institution's press officers.
The introduction of SfN Journals: In Conversation webinar series and the Neuro Current podcast offered new platforms to showcase authors and their work. Brand identity work, increased advertising, and marketing efforts, particularly around Open Choice, contributed to a surge in the journals' visibility.
Taken together, the efforts and investments made by the journals’ editorial boards and SfN staff over the past five years have elevated JNeurosci and eNeuro to their current positions as trusted and engaging sources for neuroscience research and discussion.
