2010 chairman address: on the occasion of publishing the korean diabetes journal in english.

Abstract

Dear Respected Members of Korean Diabetes Association, As an official journal of the Korean Diabetes Association (KDA), the Korean Diabetes Journal has been published with the aim of contributing to the study of diabetes through the exchange of up-to-date academic information with foreign scholars as well as association members. The journal has played a leading role in the development of the study of diabetes in South Korea and I thank to the efforts and active participation of our association members. Now is the time when we should take a new leap forward to actively address domestic and foreign research trends that have changed drastically in recent years. Currently, most Korean scholars place top priority on submitting manuscripts to SCI-level journals, as papers published in SCI-level journals are highly rated when evaluating grant applications and evaluating achievements in South Korea. Accordingly, the number of papers published in domestic academic journals is decreasing. Given the current circumstances, unless the Korean Diabetes Journal is listed in international database such as Medline and SCI, we may witness a reduction in the number of submitted papers and thus the lowering of the journal's level. Therefore, publication of our journal in English is not an option, but a necessity. There are Korean-language journals posted on the SCIE, but only based on a temporary special policy, which will not last for a long time. In addition, the continued globalization of the KDA requires the continued exchange of information with scholars around the world, which necessitates the publication of the journal in English. Many of our members see their papers published in SCI-level journals every year. Furthermore, now is the time when our association should embrace a leadership role. Hence, our objective is to disseminate domestic findings regarding the study of diabetes, contribute to medical development, and play to a leading role on the global stage of diabetes. It is expected that many difficulties will occur during the initial stages of this transition, but they may be thought of as a rite of passage we must go through. Our association will not reach the goal of internationalizing or globalizing our journal without the voluntary cooperation of our members. Therefore, I earnestly ask you to contribute English-language papers to our journal, and to refer to papers from our journal in papers that are to be published in other SCI-level journals. Lastly, I thank to all members of KDA for their devotion to the society and wish your health and happiness.