Call for applications: Editor-in-Chief

Innovative Surgical Trends

A New Journal from the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)

About the Journal

Innovative Surgical Trends is a new, peer-reviewed, open-access journal jointly launched by EAES and SAGES. Its mission is to be the definitive international platform for publishing breakthroughs in minimally invasive surgery, digital and robotic surgery, endoscopic interventions, surgical education, clinical applications of artificial intelligence, and clinical innovation. The journal will emphasise high-quality research, new technologies, translational science, and novel methods that shape the future of surgery, focusing on rapid submission and decision times.

This journal will feature not only original articles and systematic reviews, but also multimedia formats, including video techniques, expert interviews, surgical simulations, and data-driven innovative clinical tools.

Innovative Surgical Trends will serve as a partner to our flagship journal, Surgical Endoscopy, complementing rather than replacing it. Together, they will expand our publishing scope, Surgical Endoscopy maintaining its focus on high-impact original research and guidelines, while Innovative Surgical Trends becomes a dedicated platform for innovation. It will showcase experimental technologies, novel techniques, and pioneering procedures, along with case reports, case series, and global perspectives that highlight advancements across general surgical practice internationally.

Position Summary

EAES and SAGES invite applications for the position of Founding Editors-in-Chief of Innovative Surgical Trends. Each society will appoint an Editor to work closely together. The Editors-in-Chief will guide the journal’s strategic and editorial direction from inception, recruit an exceptional editorial board, and work closely with the publisher and society leadership to establish the journal as a leader in digital surgical publishing.

This position represents a rare opportunity to shape a modern surgical journal from the ground up—with a focus on global surgical innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and digital-first publishing models.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Editorial Leadership

Define and execute the journal’s mission and scope in collaboration with the EAES and SAGES Publications Committees.
Establish editorial priorities that reflect innovation, diversity, and future-facing trends in surgery and clinical practice
Position the journal as a trusted source for high-impact, practice-changing research.

Content Curation & Peer Review Oversight

Oversee the peer-review process to ensure timely, rigorous, and fair evaluation of submissions.
Set quality standards for scientific integrity, originality, and relevance.
Recruit and manage a team of associate editors and editorial board members representing diverse surgical subspecialties and global perspectives.

Community Engagement & Global Outreach

Serve as the journal’s ambassador to the surgical community, promoting its content and visibility at conferences, workshops, and digital forums.
Actively solicit high-quality submissions from established leaders and rising innovators.
Engage readers and authors through social media, podcasts, webinars, and visual abstracts.

Journal Operations & Publisher Relations

Collaborate with the publisher to launch and maintain an efficient manuscript submission, review, and production system.
Ensure adherence to publishing standards and ethical guidelines (COPE, ICMJE, CONSORT).
Maintain open communication with the EAES and SAGES editorial leadership and executive teams.
Support the Surgical Editors and other scientific journal editor organisations by attending their meetings and participating in the development of joint statements and policies when possible.
Will regularly report to EAES and SAGES Publications Committee and Board.

Innovation in Publishing

Leverage emerging platforms and tools to incorporate multimedia, interactive content, and open science practices.
Create new article types and communication formats to support innovation, such as:
- Video-based techniques and procedures
- AI-assisted clinical decision models
- Cross-disciplinary collaborations
- Educational technologies in surgery

Candidate Qualifications

Active EAES member.
Recognised leader in minimally invasive, robotic, endoscopic, or digitally enabled surgery.
Demonstrated history of peer-reviewed publications and editorial experience.
Strong understanding of research design, clinical trials, medical statistics, and publication ethics.
Commitment to innovation, diversity, and mentorship within academic publishing.
Excellent organisational and interpersonal communication skills.
Adequate technical skills to manage digital platforms and engage with modern tools in publishing.
Has an unbiased viewpoint to fairly assess submitted manuscripts and reviews.
Has the ability to arbitrate conflicts.
Is recognised as an excellent reviewer.

Time Commitment & Compensation

Estimated time commitment: ~10–15 hours/week.
Institutional support is expected for the time and infrastructure necessary to fulfill the role.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:
A letter of interest detailing:
- Editorial vision for Innovative Surgical Trends
- Views on key trends shaping the future of surgical publishing
- Plans for journal growth, author recruitment, reviewer recruitment, and content innovation
Curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation from senior colleagues, familiar with the applicant’s editorial, clinical, and academic credentials

Key Dates