The Journal of Biomechanical Engineering—The Next Step

Abstract

It is indeed an honor to be the Editor of the Journal of Biomechanical Engineering (JBME). In looking through the list of previous Editors (e.g. Yin, Diller, Nerem, Fung), one feels the weight of the responsibility of JBME's legacy. One of the greatest strengths of JBME is its unifying concept of biomechanics in the broadest sense: kinematics, biological and bio-materials, heat transfer, modeling/simulation, all over the complete range of length scales. The ability for bioengineers to present cutting edge research in all areas of biomechanical engineering, coupled with a long, rich history of technical excellence makes JBME a unique venue in the bioengineering literature. While many authors continue the tradition of excellent work at the body, organ, and tissue scales, others are increasingly focused at the cellular and molecular scales. Still others are concentrating their efforts on translational approaches to move their studies from the benchtop to the bedside. Thus, a challenge for any bioengineering journal, including JBME, is how to encourage such amazing diversity while simultaneously maintaining a unique professional identity.