We are pleased to announce that Prof. Mark Douglas has been appointed Associate Editor of the “Human Virology and Viral Diseases” Section in Viruses (ISSN: 1999-4915). With his extensive background in scientific research and publishing, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this prestigious role.

Name: Prof. Mark Douglas
Affiliation: Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
Website: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/mark-douglas

Prof. Mark Douglas is an infectious diseases physician and molecular virologist with a strong research interest in viral hepatitis. He heads the Viral Hepatitis Pathogenesis group at the Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research. He is involved in a broad array of projects, ranging from basic molecular pathogenesis to translational and clinical research. He runs liver clinics for patients with hepatitis B and hepatitis C and also treats patients at Westmead Hospital with HIV and a range of infectious diseases.

The following is a short Q&A with Prof. Mark Douglas, who shared his vision for the journal with us as well as his views on the research area and open access publishing:

1. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to take on the role of Associate Editor?
Viruses is a respected journal that publishes high-quality articles on virology research, with fast review and feedback. As Associate Editor, I look forward to overseeing a thorough and fair peer review process to maintain its high standard.

2. As an expert in the field of viruses, which research topics do you think are popular at present, and what does the future of this field of research look like?
I am particularly passionate about hepatitis B virus research, which has exploded after the recent success of hepatitis C virus direct-acting antivirals. There is excitement in the field about the possibility of now developing a similar cure for hepatitis B.

3. You have been collaborating with Viruses as a Guest Editor, leading multiple Special Issues. Can you share with us more about your experience as Guest Editor over the past few years?
I have had a very positive experience with the editorial team at Viruses during my time as Guest Editor. They are always friendly, responsive, and supportive. They politely remind me about outstanding tasks, while remaining flexible and respecting my other commitments. They work hard to find and follow up with appropriate reviewers to ensure high-quality peer review.

4. What do you think of the development of open access in the publishing field?
Open access publishing has provided equitable access to research findings for people around the world, particularly those who do not have access to libraries with online subscriptions. It has also expanded the number of journals and their capacity to publish articles online rapidly, providing alternatives for authors seeking to publish their research. However, it is essential to provide thorough and timely peer review of articles submitted to open access journals, to ensure they only publish high-quality research, and that the results can be trusted. I see this as a key role of an Associate Editor, and I look forward to working with the editorial team at Viruses to maintain their high standards.

We warmly welcome our new Associate Editor, Prof. Mark Douglas, and wish the journal every success in the future.