Embarking on a new journey of advancing cardiovascular aging research

As I assume the role of Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Cardiovascular Aging starting from January 1, 2026, I am deeply honored and profoundly grateful for the trust bestowed upon me by the journal, the distinguished associate editors, and the publisher. This appointment not only opens a new avenue for my long-standing commitment to cardiovascular aging but also burdens a solemn responsibility on me to steer the journal toward greater heights of academic influence and scientific impact. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to each of you for your confidence and support in this new endeavor.

First and foremost, I owe a debt of gratitude to Prof. Ali J. Marian (Founding Editor-in-Chief) and Prof. Dayi Hu (Honorary Editor-in-Chief). Under their visionary leadership and dedicated stewardship, The Journal of Cardiovascular Aging has established a solid reputation as a trusted platform for disseminating high-quality research findings in this rapidly evolving field. Their relentless efforts to uphold rigorous academic standards, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and expand the journal’s global reach have laid an invaluable foundation for its continued growth. Their contributions have not only elevated the journal’s standing and impact (2025 impact factor =3.0) but also advanced our collective understanding of cardiovascular aging, benefiting researchers, clinicians, and patients worldwide. Thank them for their extraordinary service and profound dedication.

Looking ahead, my vision for The Journal of Cardiovascular Aging is to position it as the premier international forum for cutting-edge research, basic and translational insights, and clinical innovations in cardiovascular aging and related disorders. As the global population ages, the burden of age-related cardiovascular diseases continues to rise, making this field more critical than ever before, and we have the mission to promote the development of this field. Based on this background, I envision the journal serving as a bridge between basic science and clinical practice, facilitating the translation of foundational discoveries into effective prevention strategies, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic interventions for age-associated cardiovascular conditions. Moreover, I aim to foster a more inclusive and diverse academic community, where researchers from all regions and career stages can share their work, exchange ideas, and drive the field forward together.

To realize this vision, I have developed a set of strategic plans to guide our efforts over the coming years. First, we will strengthen the journal’s editorial team by recruiting Associate Editors, Editorial Board Members, and Youth Editorial Members with diverse expertise spanning basic aging biology, cardiovascular physiology, translational medicine, and clinical cardiology. We will invite different deputy editors to form specific editorial teams to handle the submissions related to different research areas. This multidisciplinary team will ensure that we can rigorously evaluate and publish high-impact research across the full spectrum of cardiovascular aging. Second, we will expand our scope to include emerging areas, such as biomarkers, mechanisms, and interventions for dysfunction, aging, and cardiovascular diseases. In particular, we encourage interdisciplinary research and expert consensus. By embracing these new frontiers, we will keep the journal at the forefront of scientific progress. Third, we will implement initiatives to enhance the quality and visibility of published articles, including rigorous peer review processes, comprehensive editorial support for authors, and active promotion of key findings through social media, academic conferences, and collaborations with professional societies. Additionally, we will strive to reduce publication times without compromising quality, ensuring that significant research findings are disseminated promptly to the global community. Finally, we will commit to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion by encouraging submissions from researchers in low- and middle-income countries, supporting early-career investigators through mentorship programs, and promoting gender balance in editorial roles and published authorship.

Last but certainly not least, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our readers. Your dedication to staying informed about the latest advancements in cardiovascular aging research is the driving force behind the journal’s mission. Whether you are a researcher, clinician, educator, or student, your engagement with the journal - through reading, citing, and contributing to our discussions - plays a vital role in advancing the field. I invite you to continue sharing your insights, submitting your best work, and participating actively in the growth of The Journal of Cardiovascular Aging. Together, we can build a journal that not only reflects the current state of the art but also shapes the future of cardiovascular aging research and improves the health and well-being of aging populations worldwide.

As I embark on this journey, I am filled with optimism and a strong sense of purpose. With the support of the editorial team, the publisher, our authors, and our readers, I am confident that The Journal of Cardiovascular Aging will thrive and make even greater contributions to the field. Thank you for your trust, and I look forward to this exciting chapter ahead.