The Publications Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS) has announced the appointment of Dr. Kathleen H. Canul as the ACS Publications’ ombudsperson. Her appointment fulfills a crucial element of ACS’ commitment to confronting racism and discrimination within its journals and strengthens efforts to increase diversity throughout its author and reviewer communities.
As an ombudsperson, Canul will serve as an impartial, independent and confidential channel for concerns regarding the peer review process. In the event that an author or reviewer has concerns over issues such as editor bias, editorial advisory board member or reviewer misconduct, or editorial professionalism, Canul would act as a resource, providing guidance, and as an outlet for the expression of concerns. The ombudsperson will not, however, be conducting formal investigations into complaints. In the event that a complaint requires an investigation, Canul will be available to provide guidance to the relevant journal or institution.
Selected after a five-months-long public search, Canul brings significant expertise to the new position. Since 2007, she has served as the Director of Ombuds Services at the University of California, Los Angeles. She has additional experience as an ombudsperson at the University of California, Irvine, and has consulted as an ombudsperson for a number of societies and institutions. Canul is a licensed psychologist and received a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Washington State University. A member of the International Ombudsman Association (IOA), Canul will adhere to IOA’s code of ethics and standards of practice in her duties with ACS.
Those who wish to reach Canul with any concerns arising from their experiences can contact her at kathleen.canul@services.acs.org.
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