New Year address from Zoological Research



New Year address from Zoological Research

Time is flying. As Chuang Tzu, a Zhou Dynasty Chinese philosopher, said “time goes like a young horse scampering past a narrow cleft”. The end of a year is a link between what came before and what follows, and is an opportune time for reflection and anticipation.

In Chinese tradition, 2015 was the Year of the Goat. Just like a goat, a small and hardy animal characterized by endurance, ZR is still a small figure compared with many international academic journals, but with endurance and optimism, it continues to promote scientific communication and knowledge dissemination.

In 2015, Zoological Research (ZR) was recognized as a core journal (Level A, top 5%-20%) and ranked 15thamong 78 biology-based academic journals by the “RCCSE Chinese Academic Journal Evaluation Report-Ranking List of Authoritative Journals and Core Journals”. In this evaluation, which was released by the Research Center of Chinese Science Evaluation (RCCSE), the Library of Wuhan University and the Network of Science & Education Evaluation in China, a total of 6 201 out of 10 000 academic journals were selected, with ZR among the 1 572 core journals. Also in 2015, ZR was honored as one of the “Top 100 Outstanding Science and Technology Journals of China” in recognition for our impact and influence in academic publication. Being honored by one of China’s highest awards for an academic journal comes from the constant and enthusiastic support of our diligent authors, readers, and editorial board.

Over the past 35 years, since its founding in 1980, ZR has never lost its open-mindedness nor receptiveness to new ideas. In September 2015, to adapt to new digital media, we registered a social WeChat account (ZoolRes) and have posted numerous popular science articles across a wide range of life science interests, with certain articles clicked and browsed nearly 700 times in just a few short months. In regards to this, we would like to extend a special invitation to all our colleagues interested in writing scientific stories that are aimed not only at scholars but also inquisitive members of the public. Please contact us if you want to be involved.

The start of 2016 is, of course, a perfect time to make New Year’s Resolutions. Before setting such declarations in stone, however, we should all take time from our hectic schedules to sit with a clear mind and truly contemplate what we could and should be doing in the upcoming year. Promoting an academic journal is never easy, but, with cooperation and combining our efforts, the future of ZR is promising. The new year brings hope, challenges and opportunities. In the Chinese culture, 2016 is the Year of the Monkey, an animal that symbolizes thoughtfulness, energy and fearlessness, such as that embodied by the popular Monkey King character. It is our wish that the forthcoming year will allow us to face all difficulties with confidence, wisdom and vibrancy; retain our open-mindedness and consideration; and unceasingly and faithfully fulfil our responsibilities.

We hope that we can continue to work more closely than ever, foster the evolution of young scholars and researchers, and keep advocating for our own improvement. As time continues its inevitable march, the spirit of science and cooperation will ensure the enduring success of ZR. As favored Chinese author Mu-Xin says “Time is ruthless, but I ruthlessly fight back by not wasting a single day”.

Once again, may the upcoming Year of the Monkey bring you peace, prosperity, and happiness! Your enduring help and support are, as always, deeply appreciated.

Sincerely

Yong-Gang YAO, Editor-in-Chief

Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences,

Kunming 650223, China

Yun ZHANG, Executive Editor-in-Chief

Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences,

Kunming 650223, China