Peter DeWitt, PhD, assistant research professor of biomedical informatics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, has been appointed to the Editorial Board of Scientific Data, a peer-reviewed journal from the Nature portfolio dedicated to advancing open and reproducible science. This appointment recognizes his outstanding contributions to data-driven research and commitment to advancing open science.
Scientific Data is dedicated to advancing open research practices by publishing detailed descriptions of research datasets and articles on data sharing across the natural sciences, medicine, engineering and social sciences. The journal plays a vital role in promoting the FAIR principles, ensuring data is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable, and supports the idea that scientifically valid data of potential interest should be made openly available, regardless of perceived impact.
As a member of the editorial board, DeWitt will help oversee the peer review process for submissions, ensuring that each manuscript meets the journal’s high standards for data quality, transparency and reusability. The board is composed of experimental scientists and data standards experts from a wide range of disciplines, reflecting the journal’s interdisciplinary mission.
“I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to join the editorial board of Scientific Data,” said Dewitt. “In my own work, I strive to meet the FAIR data principles so that others can both reuse datasets and verify the results I’ve produced. This role offers an opportunity to further those objectives by helping shepherd manuscripts and data sets through the peer review process.”
The journal publishes several types of articles, including "Data Descriptors," which provide detailed accounts of how datasets were generated, validated and structured to support reuse; Articles that explore data policy, standards and infrastructure; and Comments offering perspectives on data sharing practices. Unlike traditional research journals, Scientific Data does not evaluate submissions based on the novelty of scientific findings but rather on the quality and utility of the data itself.
DeWitt’s appointment reflects his longstanding commitment to open science and excellence in research. He will bring a wealth of experience in biomedical informatics, and this new role underscores his leadership in shaping the future of data-centric research.
Please join us in congratulating DeWitt on this prestigious and well-deserved recognition.