A New Era in Vegetation Science: Introduction of Vegetation Ecology and Diversity
The Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) has officially rebranded its journal, previously known as Plant Sociology from 2012 to early 2024, to its new title, Vegetation Ecology and Diversity. Alongside this renaming, a fresh website has also been launched.
Vision for the Future
Approved during the SISV plenary session in November 2024, this renaming is designed to reflect the journal’s aim of embracing a wider array of research topics while emphasizing the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of vegetation science. The change underlines a commitment to adapt and evolve within the field.
Enhancements in Editorial Leadership
Along with its new name comes an updated Editorial Board tasked with steering this vision forward. The journal is privileged to welcome Gianmaria Bonari as its new Editor-in-Chief, succeeding Daniela Gigante, who guided the publication from January 2019 through February 2024.
Under Bonari’s leadership, there will be several new Topical Collections introduced and initiatives focused on nurturing emerging researchers within the field.
Supporting Emerging Scholars
For members associated with SISV, significant adjustments have been made regarding publication fees aimed at making participation more equitable for students and financially constrained researchers. A notable introduction includes a complete waiver of publication fees for entry-level researchers who self-funded their studies. Additionally, those who have partial external funding will receive a discount of 10% on Article Processing Charges (APC).
These financial initiatives are designed not only to lighten economic burdens but also to promote diversity within vegetation science research circles.
Engaging Through Social Media
In line with these advancements, Giovanni Rivieccio and Michele Mugnai are set to lead an invigorated social media initiative by managing both Facebook and Bluesky platforms dedicated to the journal’s engagement strategies—an important step in reaching wider audiences through creative content.
Listeners seeking further details about these transformative changes can find more insights in an editorial published on the newly launched website that provides concise biographies for newly appointed board members along with detailed descriptions about innovative Topical Collections available now.
Perspectives from Leadership
Expressing his excitement about this transition phase as Editor-in-Chief, Gianmaria Bonari stated:
“It’s an honor to guide Vegetation Ecology and Diversity into this pivotal chapter. Our newly adopted name reflects our expanded mission encompassing all aspects of vegetation science. Through our novel Topical Collections alongside enhanced support systems for young scientists, we aspire to create a collaborative atmosphere fostering inclusivity among vegetation scholars.”
Echoing Bonari’s sentiments is Simonetta Bagella—the President of SISV—who remarked:
“This rebranding represents not just a name change but rather embodies substantial development for our society’s journal. Sanctioned by our membership body, it demonstrates our pursuit towards broadening impact on international scales while introducing impactful measures such as publication fee waivers tailored specifically for budding scientists—a testament reflecting both inclusivity ambitions alongside honors toward pioneering figures like Daniela Gigante.”
Each move ensures that Vegetation Ecology and Diversity becomes synonymous with innovation while simultaneously paving paths forward in enriching professional networks among vegetative scholars globally.