Pathology News Roundup: May 4, 2021

What We're Reading: Pandemic Publishing

An article from the editors of The American Journal of Pathology is shedding light on the complications of academic publishing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the article "Pathology, Publishing, and a Pandemic," AJP managing editor Emily H. Essex, director of scientific outreach Chhavi Chauhan, and editor-in-chief Martha B. Furie describe how the journal shifted its operations to account for the unique circumstances of the past year. 

"As work in laboratories all over the world slowed, halted, or refocused on COVID-19, submissions to the Journal began to drop," the authors write. "Historically, AJP has received around 45 percent of its new manuscripts from Asia, and, as closures were enacted, submissions coming from Japan and mainland China decreased significantly. The effect then rippled out to Europe and the Americas as the pandemic spread. Noticing the decline in submissions, the AJP staff and editors were proactive in reaching out to the ASIP membership, as well as the Journal's social media following, to encourage writing of manuscripts during forced absences from the bench. A call for papers was sent from the Editor-in-Chief in April and resulted in over a dozen proposals for Review articles from ASIP members, as well as several submissions of new research articles."

The AJP staff also noted their pride in expediting the publication of articles that showcase the contributions pathologists have made in building knowledge regarding COVID-19.

AJP has reduced page charges for those who are in the ASIP Regular member category. Corresponding or co-corresponding authors who are Regular members will be charged $99 per page, down from the previous member rate of $185 per page. Open Access charges also have been decreased substantially for both ASIP members and nonmembers. 

"We greatly appreciate the patience and flexibility of the authors and reviewers who have supported the Journal throughout this difficult time. We continue to welcome manuscripts related to the molecular and cellular basis of disease from all authors," AJP staff conclude.