2024 as a year of growth for the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A

This past year was one of great growth and continued evolution for the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A. We saw increases in the number of submissions from authors around the world, concomitant with a reduction in handling times for these submissions. This is a recognition of the pride and belief our authors have in the Journal as an outstanding forum to showcase their work to the biomaterials community, as well as the hard work and commitment of our editorial team. As we launch into 2024, there are several exciting happenings at the Journal. This year marks the occurrence of the World Biomaterials Congress in Daegu, Korea, for which we will host a Special Issue. Our journal has a new interface that facilitates a simple manuscript submission process. Finally, we recognize our Associate Editors who are rotating off and welcome three new Associate Editors to our editorial team.

The Journal has seen a significant increase in the number of submissions over the past 12 months. I am happy to relay that the Journal received more than 750 submissions in 2023, which was a 26% increase over 2022. While part of this increase no doubt reflects the completion of projects that were slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it also reflects the confidence that our community has in submitting their strong work to the Journal. To facilitate this process, manuscripts are submitted through a new interface, Research Exchange, that enables a simple, streamlined submission process. We offer authors a freeform submission process that allows authors to upload their manuscript in any format for first review. I have enjoyed hearing many favorable comments from our community regarding how easy it is to submit their papers for consideration, and I encourage you to try it out for your next manuscript. Dr. Kris Killian and I will co-edit a Special Issue related to work presented at the World Biomaterials Congress in May 2024, and I encourage you to submit your manuscripts for consideration.

At the end of 2023, three Associate Editors completed their service to the Journal: Dr. Andrés García of Georgia Tech, Dr. Heather Sheardown of McMaster University, and Dr. Ahmed El-Ghannam of University of North Carolina Charlotte. These outstanding individuals made substantial contributions to the Journal, some for more than a decade. I am grateful for all of their efforts and a willingness to provide continuity as the new editorial office was established 3 years ago.

Keeping with our commitment to provide opportunities for other individuals to be engaged in the editorial process, I am pleased to announce three new Associate Editors, starting January 2024. Dr. Daniel Alge is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University. His lab specializes in hydrogel biomaterials and utilizes advanced synthesis and fabrication methods to develop novel materials for applications in regenerative engineering, medical devices, and living systems. His lab also studies factors that influence cell-material interactions and the immune response to biomaterials. Dr. Nathaniel Heubsch is an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Washington University in Saint Louis. His lab leverages biomaterials and iPSC technology to study how genetic and mechanical cues work together in pathogenesis of inherited heart diseases. He also studies how crosstalk between integrin and growth factor receptors can be exploited for regenerative medicine applications. Finally, Dr. Claudia Loebel, MD, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Michigan. Her group's research interests lie in the development of dynamic biomaterials and matrix manipulation techniques, recreating complex cell-matrix interactions, and modeling tissue morphogenesis and disease. All three of these outstanding scientists have an impressive track record of scientific contributions focused on biomaterials, and their experience and perspective will be a valuable addition to the Journal.

Thank you for your continued contributions to the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, whether as an author, reviewer, or reader. The success of the Journal is dependent upon your engagement, and I look forward to an outstanding 2024.