Supporting Early Career Researchers: Journal Initiatives

Experimental Biology and Medicine and the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine are committed to supporting the growth of early-career researchers (ECRs), providing them with opportunities to contribute to the journal and engage with the international scientific community. Through these initiatives, we aim to help ECRs develop professionally and build meaningful connections within the global research community.

Our current and upcoming initiatives include:

· EBM Early Career Researcher Editorial Board

· Early Career Researcher Mentorship Scheme

Applications Now Open

Experimental Biology and Medicine (EBM) is excited to launch its inaugural Early Career Researcher (ECR) Editorial Board — a new opportunity for emerging scientists to become actively involved in scholarly publishing, peer review, and the future of interdisciplinary biomedical research.

Designed for motivated early career researchers looking to expand their professional experience beyond the laboratory, this program offers the opportunity to work alongside EBM Associate Editors, strengthen peer-review and editorial skills, build meaningful professional connections, and gain valuable insight into the publishing process.

As an ECR Editorial Board member, you will gain hands-on experience in peer review, editorial workflows, publishing ethics, and research integrity while contributing to EBM’s growing scientific community. Through mentorship, training opportunities, and editorial engagement, members will have the chance to:

• Build relationships with established researchers and editorial leaders

• Develop confidence and expertise in scientific publishing

• Gain insight into how editorial decisions are made

• Contribute ideas for emerging research topics and Special Issues

• Engage with a diverse, interdisciplinary network of biomedical researchers

• Grow as a future leader within the scientific publishing community

Approximately 70-90 ECR Editorial Board members will be selected for the inaugural cohort.

Applications are open through July 15, 2026.

Member Responsibilities

ECR Editorial Board members will play an active role in supporting the journal’s peer-review and scholarly publishing activities while continuing to grow professionally through mentorship and engagement opportunities.

Members will be expected to:

• Complete approximately 5 peer reviews per year within their area of expertise

• Uphold high standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical peer-review practices

• Participate in mentorship and professional development activities

• Attend semiannual ECR Editorial Board meetings

• Contribute ideas for emerging topics and Special Issues

• Maintain active SEBM membership

• Support journal outreach and visibility efforts through conferences, social media, and community engagement activities

Prior to beginning their term, selected members will complete onboarding and participation agreements designed to support a positive, ethical, and collaborative editorial experience.

Mentorship & Program Structure

A core goal of the EBM ECR Editorial Board is to provide meaningful mentorship and exposure to the editorial side of scientific publishing.

Each ECR Editorial Board member will be paired with a designated EBM Associate Editor mentor based on their research expertise and selected journal categories. Through this mentorship model, ECRs will gain valuable insight into peer review, editorial expectations, publishing standards, and the decision-making process behind scientific journals.

To support interdisciplinary interests, members may associate with up to three EBM subject categories, allowing flexibility across overlapping research areas.

Appointments will be for a 2-year term, with the possibility of renewal.

Eligibility Criteria

We welcome applications from early career researchers across the biomedical sciences who are interested in peer review, scholarly publishing, and professional development opportunities.

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• PhD holders within 8 years post-PhD, or MDs, Dos, DVMs, DDS, or equivalent degree holders who have completed at least 2 years of postgraduate education

• Demonstrated expertise in research areas relevant to Experimental Biology and Medicine

• Interest in peer review, editorial service, and scholarly publishing

• Commitment to professional growth and engagement within the scientific community

The program is open to postdoctoral fellows, junior faculty, clinician-scientists, and other early career independent researchers.

Timeline

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete and return the application form by July 15, 2026 to sebm@biocore.org.

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Contact and institutional information

• Current position and career stage

• ORCID number

• Research experience and keywords

• Preferred EBM subject categories

• Current CV

• Brief statement of interest outline their interest in the program

Apply Now

For questions about the EBM Early Career Researcher Editorial Board, please contact sebm@biocore.org.

What is the Program? The Experimental Biology and Medicine (EBM) ECR Editor Mentorship Program is designed to provide access to editorial opportunities for early career researchers. Both EBM and the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine are committed to supporting the growth of researchers, providing them with opportunities to contribute to the journal and engage with the international scientific community. Throughout the program, participants will manage a Special Issue, from proposal to completion, under the mentorship of an established editor.

Key Mentee Responsibilities

Under the guidance of their mentor, mentees will:

• Develop a proposal for this special issue to be approved by the Editor-in-Chief

• Participate in the creation of promotional material while actively seeking submissions from researchers in their area

• Assist in managing the review process and curating submissions into a completed Special Issue for the journal

• Write an Editorial in collaboration with their mentor (if at least 4 articles are published in the issue).

Applying to the Mentorship Program

Thank you to everyone who applied to the ECR Mentorship Scheme. The application period has now ended and we are currently reviewing submissions. If you are interested in future opportunities, please check back regularly for updates.

2026 Mentee List