JIST

JIST: Ten Years of Quality Publications on Medical Toxicology

Exactly 10 years ago, almost to the exact month (June) in 2005, the first issue of the Journal of Indian Society of Toxicology (or JIST as it came to be popularly called) was released without much fanfare, as a low key journal committed to the cause of medical toxicology. The first of its kind in India, where journals on other aspects of toxicology were available, but not medical/clinical. Hence, the moment the first issue was released, it gripped the interest of countless physicians across the country, who were engaged in the management of poisoned/overdosed victims, since it served as an exclusive platform to share their experiences, compare notes and stimulate research. Ever since then, JIST has only grown from strength to strength and is today acknowledged to be the best journal dedicated to medical toxicology in India, and is indexed through the World Health Organization in the Index Medicus for South East Asian Region or IMSEAR.

The demand for publication of articles in JIST today is so high that some strict rules have been brought to play in acceptance of papers, the most important of which is that all authors of any article submitted for publication must be members of the Indian Society of Toxicology (IST). Non-members can also submit, but would have to pay a nominal publication fee of Rs 250/- per author, and the priority for consideration of publication would be less as compared to a submission by an IST member. We have never charged exorbitant fees (in the name of publication fee or any other kind of fee), nor have we solicited advertisements or donations. We do welcome them of course (after all, a journal can be made more impressive if there is access to sufficient funds!), but there should be no strings attached, and advertisements must not be unsavoury, unethical or promoting un-scientific products.

With regard to the number of articles per issue, we have always followed the policy of having a cap on the maximum number. In general, JIST does not publish more than 10–12 articles per issue, unlike some other journals (even reputed medical journals) that publish 25–30 articles or more per issue (usually on payment of a hefty publication fee!). JIST has carefully stayed away from such crass commercialism that can impact the quality of articles, and lead to a dilution of peer review.

Because of such principles, JIST is not a cash-rich journal. Every issue is published with the help of money gained from IST memberships and JIST subscriptions. Fortunately, both have been steadily increasing over a period of time, mainly through word-of-mouth publicity, and we are today comfortably placed to ensure uninterrupted publication in the years to come.

Part of the reputation of JIST as a quality journal is because it is meticulously edited with as few printing and subject errors as possible and stringent copyediting.

In keeping with the changing times, JIST has also decided to cut down on print copies (to save on precious paper resources), while ensuring that every IST member/JIST subscriber gets free soft copies (PDF format) via email. Those desirous of getting hard copies can do so, on payment of a nominal extra charge that varies depending on whether the individual is a member or non-member.

We shall continue to innovate and improve as times go by, and strive never to disappoint our loyal members, subscribers, readers and contributors.