Canon Journal of Medicine

Canon Journal of Medicine

A Step Toward Faster, Fairer, and More Flexible Publishing at Canon Journal of Medicine

Document Type : Editorial

Author
University of Nottingham, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre
Abstract
The Canon Journal of Medicine (CJM) is transitioning to a continuous publication model starting June 2025. This strategic shift aims to address challenges posed by variable submission volumes and enhance the timely dissemination of medical research. Under the new model, articles will be published online immediately after peer review and final formatting, eliminating delays associated with quarterly issue compilation. Core values such as rigorous peer review, open access, ethical publishing, and no fees remain unchanged. This transition promotes faster visibility for authors, immediate access for readers, and sustained journal activity, aligning CJM with the evolving demands of scientific communication.
Keywords

Over recent years, the Canon Journal of Medicine (CJM) has successfully grown as an international platform for disseminating valuable medical research and clinical insights from around the globe. However, akin to many academic journals, we have encountered challenges in maintaining consistent publication intervals, primarily due to variations in submission volume. After thorough consideration, we have decided to implement a strategic adaptation to our publication model. Starting June 2025, CJM will transition to a continuous publication format.

This adjustment implies that we will no longer delay publication by assembling articles into quarterly issues. Instead, articles will be published immediately online upon the completion of peer review and final formatting. Each article will become an immediate part of the annual volume, eliminating unnecessary delays and ensuring swift dissemination of research findings.

Rationale for the Change:

The traditional quarterly publication model no longer adequately meets the needs of contemporary medical science communication, where timely dissemination of knowledge is crucial for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers. Adopting continuous publication enables us to promptly share vital scientific advancements, enhancing the utility and responsiveness of the journal.

Advantages of the Continuous Model:

  • Authors benefit from faster publication of their research.
  • Readers gain immediate access to current and relevant scientific findings.
  • CJM maintains active dissemination and responsiveness, even during periods with fewer manuscript submissions.

Unchanged Core Values:

Our foundational principles remain consistent:

  • All manuscripts will continue to undergo rigorous double-blind peer review.
  • CJM will maintain its commitment to no fees for submission or publication.
  • Adherence to ethical guidelines as prescribed by ICMJE (1) and COPE (2) will remain steadfast.
  • The journal will persist as a fully open-access platform, with articles published under a CC-BY license.
  • Reviewer recognition will continue, with reviewer names published alongside accepted manuscripts to uphold transparency in peer review.

Implications for Authors:

For authors, the primary change will be the expedited publication of their research. Each article will be included within the annual volume (e.g., Volume 5 – 2025) and will receive a unique article number rather than traditional pagination. This will facilitate immediate sharing, citation, and subsequent scholarly dialogue.

Outlook:

The transition to continuous publication represents more than merely a logistical adjustment; it embodies a progressive shift in our approach to scholarly publishing. We firmly believe that excellence in quality, efficiency, and accessibility can be simultaneously achieved. This change aligns with our ongoing commitment to serve the scientific community better, enhancing the publishing experience with CJM.

We sincerely thank our authors, reviewers, and readers for their ongoing support and engagement. We welcome your contributions, suggestions, and continued collaboration as we move forward with this innovative publishing strategy.

1- International Committee of Medical Journal Editors [Internet]. Philadelphia: ICMJE; c1979-2025 [cited 2025 May 28]. Recommendations for the conduct, reporting, editing, and publication of scholarly work in medical journals. Available from: https://www.icmje.org/recommendations/
2- Committee on Publication Ethics [Internet]. Eastleigh (UK): COPE; c1997-2025 [cited 2025 May 28]. Guidelines. Available from: https://publicationethics.org/guidance/Guidelines
Volume 5
Article ID:02

  • Receive Date 30 May 2025
  • Revise Date 03 June 2025
  • Accept Date 03 June 2025