A new journey

A new journeyMy recent appointment as Deputy Editor 5 months ago has afforded me the opportunity to observe, and be involved in, the editorial process.My initiation into the publishing of scholarly journals was marked by a visit to the Health and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG) office in Rondebosch, Cape Town, where I was introduced to the publishing team responsible for delivering the completed journal, in print and online, to the radiology community each quarter.HMPG publishes not only the South African Journal of Radiology (SAJR), but also the South African Medical Journal (SAMJ), the Journal of Continuing Medical Education (CME) and the official journals for a number of specialist societies.Accessing the HMPG webpages allows the researcher access to the full stable of journals, current and past.Advances in information technology have inter alia resulted in an online manuscript management system, which has revolutionised the submission and review process, improving the reviewing and editing interface for all journals.I take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of a talented and committed team.As part of my continuing editorial education, I attended the 6th annual meeting of the National Scholarly Editor's Forum (NSEF) of South Africa, convened at Belmont Square Convention Centre, Cape Town, on 25 July 2012.The diverse topics on the agenda were informative, and I share a selected few in this editorial.The NSEF is a consultative and advisory body managed by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).ASSAf was inaugurated in May 1996 by former President Nelson Mandela, and officially represents the country in the international community of scientific academies.It includes distinguished scientists from diverse fields.In 2008, ASSAf adopted and approved the National Code of Best Practice in Editorial Discretion and Peer Review for South African Scholarly Journals.The fundamental principles of research publishing, the core role of editors, and the indispensable task performed by peer reviewers, were included.Colleagues employed in challenging fulltime academic positions, who accept the task as editor in the absence of financial incentives, receive alternative rewards that include continuing education and networking opportunities.The essential requirement is for responsible editorial supervision, ensuring that an editorial policy exists and is accessible to authors.It is pertinent to mention that, although the SAJR is in the position to publish suitable material that has passed a peer review process, it is not an examining body.The SAJR has received requests to review manuscripts, submitted as case reports, for the purposes of meeting the research requirements of the Master of Medicine (MMed) degree.The hierarchy of scientific data dictates that a case report has a lower level of scientific impact.To maintain a high standard for the Master of Medicine Degree in Radiology, the submitted manuscripts, intended for degree purposes, should have a high scientific impact and undergo peer review by highly regarded university academics.Selected peer reviewers, as suggested by the National Code of Best Practice, must have the expertise and specialised knowledge pertaining to the topic addressed in a submitted paper if they are to complete their role in the system of universal knowledge accumulation.For the SAJR to publish manuscripts of highest quality, we require the continued, and valued, support of those individuals in the South African radiology community who are experts in their respective radiological disciplines.

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