Transformation and Nominations

Dear CRIMSA Members,

You may have already been informed that I have agreed to take on the role of Editor-in-Chief of Acta Criminologica in 2017. I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of the journal and to update you about some exciting changes that will take place in 2017.

As the incoming Editor-in-Chief I have been working closely with our outgoing Editor-in-Chief, Professor Anthony Minnaar, in the handing over of editorial duties of Acta Criminologica.

Meetings were also held with the Editors (previously known as the ‘Sub-Editors’) as well as the Council Members of CRIMSA in the third week of January. On 25 January 2017, the Council held a very productive strategic planning meeting to discuss a range of issues relating to the future of CRIMSA as well as Acta.

In specific reference to Acta, this strategic meeting focused on a number of important transitional issues for the journal including:

  1. the implementation of a new submission and tracking system for articles which includes exploring the implementation of an online submission and review system;
  2. the reconstitution and transformation of the Editorial Board – particularly in terms of diversity and regional representation – as well as instituting an agreement between the Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board Members about the roles and responsibilities of the Editorial Board;
  3. strategies to increase both the impact and citation factors of the journal;
  4. shifting our focus from “Southern Africa” to “Africa” (in the sub-title of the journal) in order to increase the number and quality of submissions to the journal from both pan-African and African-focused international scholars;
  5. creating a Junior Editorial Board to promote and capacitate capable post-graduates and emerging scholars in publishing and editing roles; and
  6. strategies to increase general membership in CRIMSA, and by extension, subscriptions to Acta.

It was accepted that the Editorial Board for Acta Criminologica needs to play a more proactive role in the submission and review of articles as well as in supporting emerging African scholars in publishing their research. The draft agreement – which is forthcoming – will add detail to these functions and expectations.

In the meantime, we need to forge ahead with a few issues.

Given the urgent need to transform and improve this important journal, the failure to respond will imply that you are no longer available to assist with Editorial Board functions of Acta Criminologica. As mentioned previously, we envision a proactive and engaging relationship with the Editorial Board in 2017 to assist with this important transformation process.

Kind regards,

Prof Lillian Artz
Incoming Editor-in-Chief
Acta Criminologica