What is your background and how did your involvement with JCTS start?

I have been involved in clinical and translational science for three decades. My portfolio spans lab-based mechanistic studies, epidemiology, and clinical trials. I have been fortunate to hold leadership positions in clinical and translational science, with responsibilities for supporting career and infrastructure development. With each new endeavor, I have turned to the evidence base supporting methods, processes, and advances in clinical and translational science. JCTS is the natural home for the work I do, and the work that guides my day-to-day. I am lucky to have been involved with the journal from its inception, serving first as a reviewer and then associate editor. I am humbled and privileged to have been selected to serve as EIC.

How would you describe the journal’s scope?

The journal is focused on advancing the field of clinical and translational science. In addition to disseminating new methods, processes, and perspectives about clinical and translational science, the journal publishes high quality research articles with priority for studies that contribute novel observations or that demonstrate application of advanced methodology.

Are there any areas in which you would like to receive more manuscripts?

We are especially interested in manuscripts that highlight innovative approaches to scientific advancement, especially those that use data to evaluate the impacts of scientific innovation.

What are your aims and objectives for the journal?

As the premier dissemination vehicle for clinical and translational science, JCTS aims to be the chosen reference resource for clinical and translational researchers seeking to advance the quality of their science, their research environment, and their careers. We also plan for the journal to become an environment in which emerging researchers can learn about the reviewing and editorial processes, and to serve as a home for innovative clinical and translational research.

Which three articles would you like to highlight, and why?

It is an almost impossible task to pick just three articles. JCTS is full of great information across a broad range of topics in clinical and translational science. In thinking of successful clinical and translational research programs to highlight, I was reminded that high functioning teams are critical to solving impactful research problems. There were three great articles last year from the University of Wisconsin that are jam packed with evidence-based information on developing, sustaining, and leading high functioning teams to tackle major research questions. I recommend these as must-read articles for both successful and aspiring clinical and translational researchers.

Dr. Lindsell’s three highlighted articles:

‘A leadership model supporting maturation of high-performance translational teams’ – Allan R. Brasier, Shannon L. Casey, et al.

‘Temporal development of high-performance translational teams’ – Allan R. Brasier, Shannon L. Casey, et al.

‘Competencies supporting high-performance translational teams: A review of the SciTS evidence base’ – Allan R. Brasier, Elizabeth S. Burnside, and Betsy Rolland

What makes the journal stand out in the field?

JCTS is the only journal that emphasizes clinical and translational science – the science behind the systems, methods, processes, and infrastructure by which clinical and translational research occurs. The journal also publishes clinical and translational research that exemplifies application of novel and innovative methods. It is an incredibly broad, interdisciplinary journal, exposing both novice and experienced investigators to the full breadth of research methods and processes, and to the full array of best practices for developing facilitative infrastructures and overcoming translational roadblocks. JCTS should be every investigator’s methodologic companion journal, regardless of scientific discipline.

Why should people submit to JCTS?

With broad readership spanning institutional decision makers of today and tomorrow, JCTS reaches an audience highly influential in clinical and translational science and policy. The interdisciplinary nature of clinical and translational science exposes our authors to audiences well outside their own specialty. With a strong impact factor and time to first decision consistently averaging less than 50 days, JCTS is well positioned to help authors rapidly disseminate their work to the audiences that matter most.