Challenges Ahead: (New) Editor's Note

摘要

On January 1, 2016, I took over as Editor in Chief from my highly regarded colleague Dr Johannes Rohan. Johannes has steered the journal for many years and was successful in obtaining an impact factor for it. Despite its controversial nature, the impact factor is an important metric and one that continues to be reflected in academic evaluations. Since my first published paper (1992, to be precise), the world of peer-reviewed publications has changed dramatically. Not only because of the number of printed journals available, even in a small field such as that of intellectual disability, but also because of the change in publishing traditions. Open access is now an important avenue for aspiring and established academics and is equally valued. Dissemination of the published articles is much wider than the academic press. Regularly, freelance writers and blogging sites will report on research and communicate findings of studies for the lay public to aid public and patient engagement with research. Equally important is the engagement with those commissioning or running services in order to enable them to make the right choices for the population they serve. These aspects are now encompassed by a new term, research impact, which aims to illustrate the wide reach of research outputs which are not simply confined to the academic arena but may have substantial societal and financial benefits.