Supporting molecular bioscience at all stages of the research journey is at the heart of what we do. Our journals help to support our mission by returning all profits back to the Society to support our charitable aims. This wouldn’t be possible without the hard-work and determination of those that sit on our committees, boards and panels. 

To recognise their impact, we feature a different committee member each month, offering a closer look at what our committees do and the benefits they provide to the wider community and to the individuals involved. 

Science Editor Dr Kakoli Bose, from the ACTREC Tata Memorial Centre in India, specialises in the molecular mechanisms of programmed cell death and their implications for cancer treatment. We asked Dr Bose about her role, the work of our committees, and the value she brings to both the community and the individuals who serve on them. 

How long have you been involved with the Society and what encouraged you to take on your editorial board role? 
My association with the Biochemical Society and Portland Press goes back to 2018, when I joined as an Editorial Board Member of the Biochemical Journal. Over the years, it has only grown stronger as I donned multiple other roles, including Associate Editor, Bioscience Reports, Member, Training Theme Panel and Science Editor, The Biochemist Magazine. I have always found the editorial board role intellectually stimulating and very fulfilling. 
 
What qualities do you think make someone particularly effective in a publishing-related role (either on a committee or Editorial Board)? 
The Editors and Associate Editors have a pivotal role in the scientific world. They evaluate the quality of the manuscripts that finally reach the research community as publications. Several attributes, such as a hawk-eye for identifying discrepancies in the submitted data, broad knowledge of the subject area, identifying appropriate reviewers in the specific field, and the ability to sieve out paper mills from important discoveries that enrich our scientific knowledge, are key to this role. I find it thrilling to be a part of this advancement in a neutral and meaningful way, and hence, I chose to serve on the Editorial Board in various capacities. 
 
Why do you think small society publishers are so important? 
Small society publishers in science are vital because their values are ingrained in focused research communities. They strive to provide a platform for scientists to publish high-quality data in specific areas of science through their peer-reviewed journals. Unlike commercial journals, they reinvest the generated revenues to fund conferences, student internships, research and teaching excellence awards.  They also provide a voice and recognition to the young students and postdoctoral researchers through various outreach programs. 

 
What do you see as the importance of open science, and what role does the Society play in supporting this? 
Open science enables transparency in knowledge-sharing, fast-tracks innovation, widens the spectrum of audience, and upholds research integrity by making protocols, data, and publications accessible.  

Discover more about our Editorial Board members.