PeerJ Open Advances in Marine Biology has announced the appointment of Professors Rebecca Vega Thurber and Robert J. Toonen as its Co-Editors-in-Chief, marking a significant milestone in the journal's mission to promote cutting-edge marine biology research.
Both highly distinguished scientists in their respective fields, Rebecca Vega Thurber and Robert J. Toonen will provide the scientific leadership needed to propel the journal forward. Together, they will assemble an Editorial Board tasked with identifying and addressing the 'Global Challenges' that the journal will take on.
Rebecca Vega Thurber is a microbial ecologist and coral reef scientist, currently holding the prestigious Pernot Distinguished Chair of Microbiology at Oregon State University. As a leader of the Tara Pacific oceanic research expedition, her work revolves around studying coral reefs and plastic pollution. Thurber's research explores how microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, interact with and regulate marine ecosystems. Her current projects concentrate on tropical reefs in French Polynesia and the Caribbean.
Robert J. Toonen, a Research Professor at the Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai’i, brings his expertise to the journal. His research primarily focuses on processes affecting dispersal and recruitment in coastal marine invertebrates, with a particular emphasis on the evolutionary implications of larval developmental modes among Hawaiian coral reef species. Toonen's research approach takes an ecological perspective, scaling from genes to individuals, populations, and micro- and macro-evolutionary consequences.
As the journal's focus pivots to address the most critical global challenges in marine biology, its scope will evolve in response to answered questions, newfound research avenues, and emerging challenges in the field of marine science. Rebecca and Rob, along with the Editorial Board, will collaboratively identify these challenges and oversee the development of an evidence base to tackle them.
Researchers interested in joining the Editorial Board of Open Advances can submit their details here.
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