A chapter closes; reflections from outgoing CVIR Endovascular Editor-in-Chief Prof. Jim Reekers

Eight years ago, the CIRSE leadership decided to add a new, online journal to its portfolio – CVIR Endovascular with former CIRSE President Prof. Jim Reekers at its helm. Thanks to his initiative and dedication, the journal quickly found its stride, with the publication of its first article in 2018, and first impact factor in 2022. Since then, the journal has grown into an established platform for sharing practical, high-quality work on endovascular interventions. As the first open access, open peer review journal in the field, CVIR Endovascular has earned a unique place within the CIRSE journal family – championing accessibility, transparency, and international collaboration.

CIRSE Insider: How did the decision come about to create a journal dedicated exclusively to endovascular procedures?

Reekers: As CVIR was growing, many papers and case reports had to be rejected, because a printed journal only has a limited amount of space. So, the idea of a separate digital online journal, with unlimited space, was a good solution to keep papers within the CIRSE family.  At that time, it was still mainly vascular IR papers that were published. Therefore, we decided for endovascular.

CIRSE Insider: What makes CVIR Endovascular stand out?

Reekers: My goal was to make the journal a practical journal with papers that could directly be used in daily practise. It is therefore less scientific than CVIR and has for the same reason less citations. This is reflected in the impact factor. It was the first online IR journal. But foremost, I think that being one of the few open peer review journals worldwide is the most outstanding achievement. I think this probably makes the journal unique. Our peer reviews have, for this reason, always been very straight and supportive for authors. They serve as a part of the whole publication.

CIRSE Insider: Why did you decide to go for an open access model?

Reekers: Open access is the only model that will survive in our open digital world, as information has to be available fast and for everybody at all times for free. Medical science should not be hidden behind a paywall or a journal subscription. This will block information being available for all doctors to treat patients.

CIRSE Insider: How did you get the journal off the ground?

Reekers: Hard work, networking, connection to communities and goodwill of many colleagues. And of course, the fantastic support of the editorial office in Vienna. It is not easy and much more work than I could have imagined making this project a success. After eight years, I think the journal has now its place in the international IR world. We get papers from almost every country.

CIRSE Insider: What were the most important milestones and how have they affected submissions?

Reekers: The registration in the web of science after five years, the first impact factor after six years. Also, the special issues were real milestones.

CIRSE Insider: What kind of authors is the journal particularly interesting for?

Reekers: We are looking for practical papers, next to real science and outstanding case reports. We are looking for authors that communicate good IR work. For young authors who start publishing their first papers, CVIR Endovascular is the right podium.

CIRSE Insider: How do you manage to attract the most interesting research?

Reekers: It needs a lot of personal commitment, going to meetings, talking to presenters, introducing the journal and convincing them to send papers to CVIR Endovascular, also starting discussions on social media and promoting the journal. And inviting authors, offering them a publishing waiver, showing that with open access you can reach and connect to a huge worldwide audience very fast. Being enthusiastic is contagious and will make authors enthusiastic.

CIRSE Insider: What are your hopes for the journal as you hand over the baton?

Reekers: We now have an impact factor of 1.5 and I hope this will grow over the next period. I also hope that CVIR Endovascular will further grow as a leading IR journal. I really hope that the unique open peer review will stay, as for me, this is one of the drivers of success and quality. Transparency and open communications about science are indispensable for medical science to avoid unwanted and external bias. We should never be afraid of the truth.

CIRSE Insider: What’s next for you?

Reekers: This was my last CIRSE project and I look back, modest, but also with great pride about  what we as a team have achieved. Since my retirement from the university, I have written a successful non-fiction book in 2023 and I am working on a new book. I always say that I still have to write an opera, a running gag to hide the fact that I have no idea what the future holds for me. One thing is sure; as my friend Jan Peregrin, who sadly passed away recently, always said: You will stay a member of the CIRSE family, forever! I know this is true. So, you still might see me around every now and then. Thanks for everything. It was an honour to be your servant.