Take a Chance on Me: Apply for the Next round of Editorial Fellows

The Editors of American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology are pleased to announce the opening of applications for the fifth cohort of our Editorial Fellows Program. Established in 2021(1) under the leadership of former Editor-in-Chief Dr. Rory Morty (2017– 2023), this program was created to provide early-career investigators with formal training in peer review and direct exposure to the editorial decision-making process. Since its inception, the fellowship has become a cornerstone of our commitment to developing the next generation of scientific reviewers, editors, and leaders in respiratory physiology and medicine.

To date, 36 Editorial Fellows have participated in the program across four cohorts. Our current cohort (Figure 1), which began its year long term on December 1, 2025, reflects the breadth and diversity of the respiratory research community, spanning a range of scientific expertise, institutions, and geographic locations. This cohort includes six early-career faculty members and three senior postdoctoral fellows from institutions across the United States. Across all cohorts, the overall distribution of Editorial Fellows is equally split between faculty and postdoctoral fellows (Figure 2A), representing 27 institutions in six countries (Figure 2B).

Beginning with the 2025 cohort, all Editorial Fellows complete the American Physiological Society (APS) Reviewer Certification Program (https://journals.physiology.org/reviewers.reviewer-training-certificate-program) prior to beginning the fellowship. This training provides a strong foundation in the principles and best practices of rigorous, constructive peer review. Throughout their fellowship year, the Editorial Fellows work closely with an assigned Editor, initially serving as a third reviewer on submitted manuscripts. Through this mentored experience, Fellows learn to critically evaluate scientific manuscripts, prepare thoughtful and constructive reviews, and gain firsthand insight into the editorial process. On the editorial side, Fellows participate in discussions regarding editorial triage, reviewer selection, interpretation of reviewer comments, resolution of differing opinions, and preparation of decision letters that provide clear and constructive guidance to authors. A more detailed description of the fellowship experience is provided in a companion editorial by previous Editorial Fellows (Hadzic et al.) published in this issue (2).

The accomplishments of our Editorial Fellow alumni underscore the value of this initiative. Together, they have published more than 270 peer-reviewed manuscripts, and many now serve as expert reviewers and editorial board members for American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology and other journals. Their continued engagement enriches our scientific community, strengthening the peer-review process and carrying the field forward through their scientific discoveries, scholarly contributions, and service. They are, by any measure, rising stars and our next generation of leaders.

We are excited to extend this opportunity to a new group of Editorial Fellows. Applications for the 2026–2027 fellowship are currently being considered through September 25, 2026, with a minimum of eight Editorial Fellows selected to begin one-year appointments on or about December 1, 2026. Each Editorial Fellow will be paired with an Editor for individualized mentorship throughout the year. Editorial Fellows will also be featured on the journal's website (https://journals.physiology.org/journal/ajplung) and social media platforms (@AJPLung on X; @AJPLung on Facebook).

Successful applicants should demonstrate:

• Publication of at least one first-author original research article (preference will be given to applicants who have published in American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology).

• A clear trajectory toward an independent career in academic research.

• A strong interest in scientific publishing and the editorial process.

Because the primary goal of the program is to provide a first-time introduction to editorial practice, applicants who have previously served as an Editor, Guest Editor, or Editorial Board member, or have participated in a similar editorial apprenticeship program for any journal are not eligible. Applicants should submit a letter of application (300 words or fewer) describing their research background and interest in the fellowship, along with a current full curriculum vitae, through the online application portal (https://journals.physiology.org/ajplung/early-career-editorial-fellowship-program). Applications must be received by September 25, 2026.

The Editors of AJP-Lung strongly encourage postdoctoral fellows, physicians in research fellowship training, and early-career faculty members through the rank of Assistant Professor who are interested in scientific publishing and peer review to apply. We look forward to welcoming our fifth cohort of Editorial Fellows and to supporting their growth as future leaders in scientific publishing.