Founded in 2017, the International Journal of Population Data Science(IJPDS) is an innovative, open access, peer-reviewed journal, hosted by Swansea University. It publishes articles on all aspects of research, development and evaluation specifically connected with data about people and populations.
We spoke with the Editor-in-Chief, Kerina Jones Professor of Population Data Science at Swansea University, to find out more about what the journal has to offer.
Why was it important to create a journal dedicated to Population Data Science?
It was important to create the journal to address the unmet challenge of where best to publish the spectrum of work on-going in Population Data Science (Pop Data Sci). There was no single clear place for authors to disseminate their work, so there was a need to establish this central channel of communication.
A further identified need was in the difficulty in publishing ‘non-standard’ articles, outside the scope of traditional research. IJPDS includes a greater range of article types, so that methodological and developmental work can be shared effectively. It is also worth pointing out that, unlike many other journals, IJPDS doesn’t restrict the types of manuscripts that can be submitted and we welcome a much wider variety of manuscript types. We appreciate that good quality work that contributes to the advancement of Pop Data Sci can comes in many different formats and we positively embrace this.
What is attracting authors to publish in IJPDS?
IJPDS distinguishes itself as being author-centric by putting authors and readers at the heart of everything we do. Through extensive research, we established early on that the primary motivations for authors when selecting a journal to publish in are the scope of the journal, the profile of the audience, speed of publishing, and impact, and we strive to satisfy each of these points.
IJPDS has an established and growing international audience we publish articles from around the world in open access format to uphold the principles of sharing knowledge to reach the widest audience possible. We have an excellent pool of international peer-reviewers that are committed to providing feedback on submissions quickly whilst maintaining our expected high standards and, we are working tirelessly towards gaining an Impact Factor for the journal.
Being the first to publish in a new field gives authors the opportunity to get in early, lead the way by breaking new ground and make a name for themselves. This is a rapidly-developing area that warrants innovative approaches and creative thinking, so it is an exciting field that gives authors the potential to really make their mark, which is great for career progression.
Add to this an exceptional international editorial board of thought leaders in Pop Data Sci and an exclusive partnership with the International Population Data Linkage Network (IPDLN) and IJPDS is becoming an increasingly attractive channel to disseminate the latest research.
How can authors get involved with IJPDS?
Pop Data Sci is relevant to many sectors including academia and research institutes, healthcare and hospitals, government, the private sector, life sciences and the third sector. We welcome submissions from all of these areas so that we present a rounded view of Pop Data Sci. As an open access journal, our General Open Call for manuscripts runs continually for authors to submit at any time.
We also run calls for Special Issues, the topics for which are selected by the editorial board collectively and reflect some of the most important issues that warrant separate attention. For 2020, our Special Issue Call is dedicated to Public Involvement and Engagement, a topic that is vital to the ongoing success of Pop Data Sci research. All of the information about our Special Issue Open Calls can be found on the IJPDS website.
Are there any challenges to running the Journal?
With quality at the heart of what we do, our pool of international peer reviewers is essential in ensuring we maintain consistently high standards of published manuscripts through a rigorous single-blind review process.
Since 2017, IJPDS has received an overwhelming response to both the general and special issue calls for manuscripts. As a result, we are faced with the challenge of increasing the size and expertise areas covered by our pool of reviewers.
Peer reviewing can be very rewarding bringing numerous benefits and a great way to enhance ones career. Experts that review on a regular basis can gain recognition as leading experts in their field, it is a valuable addition to your CV when applying for jobs, and is a way to increase your own knowledge of the field. Peer reviewing other’s work can also help you to improve your own submissions. If you are interested in becoming a peer reviewer and joining the IJPDS international panel of PDS experts, then now is a great time to seize the opportunity to get involved whilst the call is open.
All you need to do is email us directly using contact@ijpds.org with your name, organisation, area/s of expertise, and contact details.
Can you offer a final thought?
There may be many professionals out there that were unaware of this emerging field of scientific research and that they are already, effectively, part of this fast growing global community. I would encourage those people to consider IJPDS the next time they wish to publish an article and become actively involved by contributing their knowledge and experience to advance Population Data Science.
Follow IJPDS on Twitter @IJPDS.