校閲者・コーディネーターの月替わりのコラム(2025)

2025.04.02 Editor T. J.

This is a common question among researchers, especially when preparing a cover letter for submission. While it might seem like a small detail, it can cause uncertainty—particularly when multiple editors-in-chief (EiCs) are listed with no clear guidance.

The good news is: there's no single “correct” answer, and journals rarely make decisions based on how you open your letter. Still, here are a few practical approaches:

• If no distinction is made between editors, address both: Dear Drs. X and Y.
• If the editors have different subject expertise, choose the one closest to your topic.
• If you’ve previously corresponded with one editor, address your letter to them.
• If unsure, use a general salutation like Dear Editors-in-Chief or Dear Editorial Team.
• If the submission system assigns editors automatically, a general greeting is fine.
• If a Managing Editor is listed as the main contact, you may address it to them instead.

In the end, don’t let this detail slow you down. Keep your salutation polite and professional, then focus your efforts on crafting a strong, compelling cover letter that communicates the value of your research.

2025.03.11 Editor G. M.

Most of us first encountered Artificial intelligence (AI) in the form HAL 9000, the diabolical main character of the 1968 science fiction film, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Artificial intelligence has yet to reach the stage of having a personality and plotting peoples’ demise and, in recent years, has been characterized by its swift uptake in the academic publishing world.

The use of AI in editing has many benefits and include an improvement in detecting errors (e.g., spellcheck), increased productivity as repetitive edits are automated (find and replace function), and faster editing. However, today’s AI programs, including ChatGPT developed by OpenAI, Google’s Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, or the more established Grammarly, have been trained on different data and so will differ in their solutions. Their uses in editing include grammar and style checks, automatic transcription, the generation of content and the production of reasonable translations. For the first time, authors from non-English speaking backgrounds with a shaky grasp of English can now converse (on paper at least) with native English speakers at a reasonably fluent level.

Despite these benefits, AI shows obvious pitfalls: While it may appear that convincing English is generated, on closer inspection compound words may be used that are unusual and do not exist in the English language, the syntax may be incorrect, and the object and subject of a sentence may be confused. The use of incorrect synonyms is also a feature. Such errors sometimes lead to amusing sentence constructions and means that the text needs to be read carefully by editors. In addition, AI can presently only be considered an editor’s assistant since it cannot make editorial decisions such as those required for developmental edits. Overall, though, and together with the development of impressive transcription software, I can foresee the day when a non-English text will be perfectly translated and transcribed into English by the same software, probably changing the nature of scientific editing forever.

2025.02.03 Editor P. S.

At NAI, we are cognizant that many researchers may not be aware of our specialized expertise in handling manuscripts from the field of Nursing. We are proud to offer our distinguished clients unparalleled support from our team of practicing nurse editors. Below is a profile from one of our editors:

“As a dedicated nursing professional, my journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, followed by a Master of Science in Environmental Health Science. I further sharpened my expertise by earning a PhD in Global Health Metrics and Implementation Science from the University of Washington. In addition, I have twelve years of hands-on experience as a pediatric nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at a renowned hospital in Seattle, Washington. Over the years, I have amassed nearly twenty years of combined clinical and academic expertise.  

Driven by a passion to support fellow researchers, I feel obligated to assist others in building their careers and fostering professional growth. I am dedicated to offering high-quality professional editing services. At NAI, we assure researchers that our team of editors are ready and available to offer exceptional assistance, ensuring that their work receives the meticulous attention it deserves.”

2025.01.08 Editor G. S.

Looking back on 2024, one can easily identify the rapidly changing environment in almost all aspects of our lives. Major changes seem to occur more rapidly than expected and new challenges continue to arise. In this ever-changing landscape, our commitment to scientific research and progress is of paramount importance to ensure a bright future for the next generations.

As NAI editors, we are exposed to new scientific data before others and have the privilege to assist researchers in communicating their findings to colleagues and the general public. I think I speak for all editors – this reinforces our sense of duty to produce robust publications that will help us achieve the aforementioned goal.  

As we are about to enter a new year, I would like to wish health and prosperity to all authors using the services of NAI.