What’s in a name?

mon′i·tǒr, v. to keep under observation, especially so as to regulate, record, or control.

en·vī′rǒn·ment, n. 1. the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates; 2 (the environment) the natural world, especially as affected by human activity (Oxford English Dictionary).

 

From these strict dictionary definitions, we may assume that the Journal of Environmental Monitoring is a journal for the study and reporting of activity as it relates to the observation of our surroundings, or the natural world (in particular as it relates to human activity), especially so that we may regulate, record or control them. Compare this with the Mission of the Journal, viz.

 

To stimulate and publish research exploring the interface of analytical science with disciplines concerned with the natural and human environments with a view to assessing exposure and associated impacts (including health risks).

 

and its Scope and Content, viz.

 

Comprehensive coverage of physical, chemical and biological research relating to the detection, measurement, impact, pathways, and management of contaminants in all natural and anthropological environments.

 

Closer inspection of these words reveals that the intentions of the founders of the Journal and its present custodians, and of the Royal Society of Chemistry, are indeed closely aligned with its title, in particular if the terms “keep under observation”, “surroundings”, “natural world” and “analytical science” are interpreted in their widest sense. Here, in that wider interpretation, “observation” implies doing all that is needed to fully grasp the nature of what is being observed, while “surroundings” and “natural world” represent every aspect of things touching and impacting on—or by—living organisms (including humans). The term “analytical science” is more discipline oriented. To a chemist, it refers quite narrowly to a process by which chemicals may be detected and quantitated. That definition expands when other relevant core scientific disciplines such as physics and biology are included. It expands still further when, as mentioned in an earlier column, ‘environment observation-related’ disciplines such as geography, medicine and epidemiology—especially accompanied by statistics—are included. Our founders, successive Editorial Boards and the RSC itself have always acknowledged that the Journal, and the multi- and interdisciplinary branch of science that it represents, go far beyond its original pedigree of chemistry arising from its origins. So, to serve its purpose, authors, readers and subscribers alike must be ready to embrace the broad perspective embodied in its Mission and its Scope. And so they have. In its six year history, the Journal has emerged as one of a very small handful of significant scholarly publications that addresses the needs of the large, multidisciplinary environmental science community in both depth and breadth. Indeed, it could be argued, its vision may provide even wider access than its peers to important constituencies not yet represented in the environmental science corner of the literature, including some mentioned above.

But all is not yet quite perfect. The readership and authorship—and, through them, successive Editorial Boards—have continued to wrestle with the word “monitoring”, in particular its suggestion of an emphasis towards regulatory and control processes. Although this is—as it should be—a highly laudable and essential component of an important journal operating in the real world of environmental science and its implications, we are anxious to convey that this is not actually a sole major emphasis. It is just one of many. In the beginning, and almost continuously subsequently, we have considered options for a more appropriate title for the Journal, one that would give a clearer impression of the true image that we wish to portray. But a ‘better’ alternative has proved elusive. “Environmental science” is too broad, and “environmental health science” is too narrow. So too is “environmental technology”. And so on. So the conversation has become circular, with no obvious improvement on what currently exists. In any case, even if a more ideal title were to suddenly emerge from our discussions, simply changing the name of a journal is a far from trivial matter (as any publisher would tell us in no uncertain terms!).

After all is said and done, we remain convinced that the decision to found the new journal and to call it the Journal of Environmental Monitoring was the right one. At least it was not the wrong one. Unfortunately, the English language, in all its sophistication, is simply not able to embody all that we stand for in our Mission and Scope, and in our agenda. So we must work with our title as an instantly recognizable ‘emblem’ and find qualifying words and phrases that articulate in no uncertain terms that we are clear and consistent in our intentions. So, with that, welcome anew to JEM: Environmental Processes and Impacts.

As noted in previous editorials, the Royal Society of Chemistry rules require regular turnover for all editorial board positions. During this process, a number of distinguished environmental scientists have passed through our midst. This year we wish to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of two more Board Members whose terms have expired. Professor Jörg Feldmann of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Aberdeen and Dr. Paul S. Monks of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Leicester have been prominent in guiding the Journal during its emergence as one of the leading publications in the field of environmental science. Their insights, wisdom, energy and commitment have been critical in these important evolutionary years. They are members of the small, but growing, body of environmental scientists who have been part of this important venture. On behalf of the Editorial Board and the Royal Society of Chemistry, I thank these friends sincerely for all that they have contributed to what is now assured to be a very bright future, and wish them well in their own future endeavours.

In the same vein, we are proud to welcome a new member to our ranks. Dr. Deborah L. Swackhamer, Professor of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, has been appointed to the Editorial Board as its US Editor. She holds a masters degree in water chemistry and a doctorate in oceanography and limnology, both from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Her research interests focus on chemical and biological processes that control the fate of toxic organic contaminants in the aquatic environment, and on the relative roles of atmospheric versus non-atmospheric sources of chemicals in the Great Lakes and in Minnesota, to aid in the management and regulation of the ecosystem. Professor Swackhamer also serves as Co-Director of the Water Resources Center at the University of Minnesota. We are pleased to welcome this distinguished new colleague to our Editorial Board.

 

James H. Vincent

Chairman of the Editorial Board

Professor, Department of Environmental Health Sciences,

University of Michigan

December 2004

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