Abstract
This issue marks a transition in editorship for Research on Aging, and I am pleased and honored to accept the responsibility of becoming the new Editor-in-Chief of the journal. For more than three decades, Research on Aging has been a leader in publishing social science research in the aging field. I have proudly published in the journal, and my hope is that you and your colleagues will continue to submit your best work for publication consideration.
During this transition, I benefitted from the counsel of Debra Parker Oliver, who is stepping down as the Editor-in-Chief. Debbie and I follow in the inestimable footsteps of three former editors, Angela O’Rand, Rhonda Montgomery, and Edgar Borgatta, who founded the journal in 1979. The journal is in strong position with many manuscripts in the pipeline, meaning the next several issues will be composed of publications from Debbie’s time as Editor.
Our overarching goal is simple - to maintain a commitment to excellence in publishing research on aging in the social and behavioral sciences. This includes scientific research from anthropology, demography, economics, epidemiology, geography, gerontology, political science, psychology, social history, social work, and sociology, as well as interdisciplinary research. Strong theory and scientific method are required to move our field forward. These will be the hallmarks of manuscripts published in this journal. No theoretical perspective or method will be privileged over another. Internationally focused research is encouraged. The journal seeks to publish scientific inquiry that extends our understanding of aging and challenges us to be more aggressive in our thinking about current issues.
The editorial office will do its best to process manuscripts as quickly as possible. Fortunately, SAGE Publications (the owner of the journal) has an expeditious process for publishing accepted manuscripts online. We will continue to accept full-length manuscripts and brief reports. In addition, I am introducing a new feature that provides opportunities for seasoned reviewers to train new reviewers.
You will see in this issue a list of the editorial board members. The size of the board has been expanded and includes some of the most productive and dedicated scholars in the field of aging. The board will help me determine policy issues, review manuscripts, and develop ideas for special issues.
The University of Massachusetts Boston is providing generous support for my editorship. The University provides funds to hire a managing editor. I am grateful that Jane Tavares has agreed to take on this position. She has the skills necessary to help the journal run smoothly and she possesses a keen sense of humor. Undoubtedly, the sense of humor part will come in especially handy. The McCormack Graduate School is giving me a reduction in my academic responsibilities to help me devote the necessary time to this endeavor. My faculty colleagues in the Department of Gerontology will provide guidance in the execution of my duties. Finally, I want to acknowledge my appreciation for the support provided from SAGE, including Craig Percy (Executive Editor) and Erin Walsh (Production Editor).