Our goal is a lofty one in that we wish to provide a forum in which to expedite the speed with which theoretical neuroscience progresses toward generating testable hypotheses.
Greenville, South Carolina (PRWEB) December 10, 2013
Robert A. Moss, Ph.D., FACPN, FAACP, is a clinical neuropsychologist who established the Center for Emotional Restructuring 20 years ago to promote a neuroscientific approach to psychotherapy. He is currently employed by Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital. In connection with his research through the Center for Emotional Restructuring, he was honored to accept the invitation to head the new AIMS Neuroscience journal. Plans are now finalized on the exact design of the journal and it promises to provide a unique approach in advancing theoretical neuroscience.
In his invitation letter to neuroscientists to join the editorial board, Dr. Moss wrote: “Our goal is a lofty one in that we wish to provide a forum in which to expedite the speed with which theoretical neuroscience progresses toward generating testable hypotheses. In the presence of current and developing technology that offers unprecedented access to functions of the nervous system at all levels and the ability to analyze data via supercomputers, we want to serve the role of providing the widest variety of the best theoretical views leading to suggested studies to facilitate ‘intelligent’ use of that technology.”
In the year of the 10 billion Euro, EU-led Human Brain Project and the proposed US-led BRAIN project, the time appears ripe for a new and progressive theoretical journal. Both projects have been publicly criticized by some as failing to have a sufficiently strong theoretical foundation.
The planned approach is to publish up to 5 articles with as wide a variety of theoretical perspectives on neuroscience topics, followed by those same authors commenting on all others’ work the next month. Upon publication of the original articles, an open call for outside commentary papers will be given and up to 5 of those commentaries will be published the third month. The overall process is designed to foster productive interaction, leading to the generation of hybrid theories, new ideas and suggestions on research to clarify any conflicts in theories.
An additional plan is to post the same topical questions on sites, including Research Gate. This can hopefully stimulate paper submissions to the journal, but it can also provide a place for all neuroscientists to weigh in with their views. This means there can be both peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed responses to the same topics. This allows a world-wide avenue for anyone with potentially helpful ideas to have a forum in which to speak.
The new journal is open-access with rapid manuscript review and publication. The journal also encourages submission of theoretical papers not covered in the planned topical areas, as well as empirical papers providing insight into theoretical issues.
Dr. Moss is board certified in clinical psychology and neuropsychology. He has authored 47 professional articles and presented at numerous regional, national, and international conferences. His main area of interest is in a cortical column-based brain code model with emphasis on its applications to psychotherapy. He is in the top 5% of all members of Research Gate and since joining in August, there have been over 2000 views and 650 downloads of Dr. Moss’ articles. He has a blog at the emotionalrestructuring.com website with articles on a wide range of topics.