Michael Howard and Paul Paddock, Editorial team
Welcome to the first issue of a new learned journal from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health. After several years of discussion and procrastination, a research journal for the profession is now a reality. The launch of such a publication is always fraught with problems and requires considerable faith, especially in its ability to attract contributions of an appropriate academic standard and professional relevance. However, judging by the responses from potential contributors, it would appear that there are many out there, in both the academic and practitioner worlds, who have the ability to provide original, well argued and substantiated papers, that will add to the body of professional knowledge and also enable contributors to make a personal mark.
All submissions have undergone a rigorous peer review process with the aim of providing readers with papers meeting appropriate criteria in terms of originality, good research methodology, supporting evidence and referencing. To assist with future contributions, a copy of the guidance notes for authors is contained within this journal.
Whilst this first issue contains six original papers, it is anticipated that in future issues there will be room not only for such contributions, but also for accounts of work in progress as well as shorter reports. In addition, papers will be welcomed from researchers and practitioners working outside the United Kingdom.
The Editorial Team have endeavoured to publish a range of papers in this first issue in order to provide interest for most, if not all, readers. Your comments on this first issue are genuinely encouraged and we have taken the liberty of providing a form inviting such comments within the journal.
We hope you enjoy this first issue of the Journal of Environmental Health Research.