A Fork in the Road

The SIU Journal was launched in 2020 based on a recognized need for a truly international journal that publishes the highest quality articles and is freely accessible to readers and authors worldwide [1]. We have been successful in meeting our milestones and achieving the product we desired to create.

Many readers will perhaps not recognize that the SIUJ to date has been published completely independently by the SIU, without partnering with an established publisher. Our managing editor put together all the critical pieces of the puzzle that allowed us to process submitted articles from authors around the globe and publish them in electronic format while also fulfilling the criteria of a reputable diamond open access journal. This model worked without a hitch, and we are indebted to the excellent work of our managing editor. However, especially during the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have realized the vulnerability of a journal that is so dependent on the dedication and talents of one single person.

As outlined previously in these pages, the next big steps for the SIUJ are to become indexed and to acquire an impact factor. The Editorial Board of the SIUJ and the Board of Directors of the SIU have come to the conclusion that these objectives are best realized through a strategic partnership with an external publisher that can provide the necessary resources and support. We are therefore pleased to announce, after extensive consultation and thorough due diligence, that, effective immediately, the SIUJ will now be published by MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute) [2]. This partnership will ensure ongoing growth and stability of the SIUJ.

What does this strategic change mean for our readers? Nothing. The content of the SIUJ will continue to be offered without restrictions in open access format around the world. What does this strategic change mean for our authors? Also nothing, with the exception perhaps some nuanced differences at the time of article submission. While MDPI does charge publishing fees for every article accepted for publication, these fees will be covered by the SIU, and authors will continue to publish without cost. The SIUJ thereby maintains its diamond open access status, which is so critical to our mission to represent the global urologic community. The Editorial Board is particularly proud of the commitment of the SIU Board of Directors to meet this need. Other large urologic organizations have not found it possible or desirable to publish open access journals without charging exorbitant article processing fees.

Is this model financially viable? Only time will tell. We anticipate that indexing will improve the number and quality of submissions, which will lead to a gradual rise in impact factor and overall reputation of the SIUJ. The viability of the SIUJ will ultimately be driven by the quality of content in its pages. This leaves us dependent on our authors for high quality submissions, our reviewers for constructive peer review, and our Editorial Board for intellectual input and leadership to shape the direction of the SIUJ moving forward. We anticipate that our new partnership with MDPI will strengthen the SIUJ in its ambition to become a leading urologic publication for a worldwide audience.