Upon assuming the role of editor-in-chief of the prestigious Nicotine & Tobacco Research, Prof. Caitlin Notley ushers in a new era for the journal, one marked by the pursuit of scientific excellence with a focus on the rapid and inclusive dissemination of research addressing nicotine and tobacco use in a world undergoing rapid transformation. In her first editorial, Notley reaffirms her commitment to interdisciplinary science and the public health challenges, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Caitlin Notley debuts as editor-in-chief of Nicotine & Tobacco Research with a bold and clear vision. She maintains the legacy of her predecessors while recognizing that today’s times demand new responses.
In fluid prose, Notley reflects on the trajectory of the journal and the major milestones that have shaped nicotine research over the past decades, from its founding in 1999.
Under the leadership of figures like Gary Swan and Marcus Munafò, the journal has solidified its position as a global reference, accompanying both the decline of smoking in wealthy countries and the explosion of new nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes.
In a tone that evokes both respect for tradition and a drive for innovation, Notley acknowledges Munafò’s work, who guided the journal through critical times like the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing debate around reduced-risk nicotine products.
At the same time, she does not shy away from addressing the urgency that pervades the field today: “Global smoking prevalence may be decreasing, but the grim reality is that 1 in 5 men and 1 in 20 women in the world still smoke,” she notes with concern.
The priority, according to her, is to continue producing rigorous science to tackle this public health crisis.
The new editor knows that the future presents unique challenges. One of the most important is ensuring that research from low- and middle-income countries, where smoking persists at alarming rates, gains visibility and accessibility.
The speed at which the nicotine industry adapts also poses challenges for academia. However, Notley maintains her confidence in the power of scientific knowledge.
“We must be prepared to face these issues head-on, without losing sight of our commitment to disseminating research that truly benefits the public.”
As an editorial legacy, Notley commits to expanding access to open science and fostering active participation from the communities that use tobacco and nicotine products.
Her editorial not only praises the past and the leaders who have shaped Nicotine & Tobacco Research, but also promises a new phase, based on transparency, inclusion, and innovation—always with a focus on the most vulnerable and the populations most affected by the harms of tobacco.
With Caitlin Notley’s arrival, the future of the journal aligns with a global landscape of transformations, maintaining tradition while opening space for diverse voices and innovative research.
It is an era of high expectations and enormous challenges, but in the editor’s own words: “It is a challenge we are more than prepared to face.”