The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) is excited to announce Pablo Manavella will serve as the next Editor-in-Chief of The Plant Cell. The Plant Cell is a leading international society journal that publishes novel research of special significance in plant biology, especially in the areas of cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, development, and evolution.
Manavella is currently a Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) researcher at the Institute for Mediterranean and Subtropical Horticulture (IHSM) in Málaga, Spain. He is the Principal Investigator in a lab focusing on the intricate mechanisms regulating miRNA biogenesis and activity and how small RNAs shape chromatin organization. He was the recipient of the Career Development Award from the Human Frontiers Science Program (HFSP), led a Max Planck Partner Group abroad, and received the Carlos Berg Medal from the Argentine National Academy of Science.
“This position as Editor-in-Chief of The Plant Cell is more than simply a title; it is an incredible opportunity to define the future of plant scientific communication while leading what I consider the most prestigious journal in the field,” said Manavella on his recent appointment. “I’m excited to collaborate with the brilliant minds on our editorial board to make the journal more transparent, inclusive, and influential.”
Pablo’s vision for The Plant Cell under his editorship includes increasing dynamic communication and inclusivity while maintaining the journal’s high impact factor and rigorous peer-review process. He hopes to support authors and editors to ensure the journal remains a beacon of excellence and inclusion.
ASPB President Leann Thornton commented, “I am really excited to see Pablo Manavella take on the leadership of The Plant Cell. He has made important contributions to our understanding of plant small RNAs and other aspects of molecular genetics. The ASPB journals are integral to our mission of informing the plant biology community and promoting plant science research, and Pablo will bring useful experience and perspective to his job as the Editor-in-Chief.”
Manavella will begin his five-year term on January 1, 2025. He replaces current Editor-in-Chief Blake C. Meyers, whose five-year term concludes December 31, 2024.
Manavella added, “What truly motivates me is the opportunity to improve the publishing process, promote early-career academics, and increase the visibility of innovative research, all with the ultimate goal of helping our authors advance in their careers. I know it will not always be easy, but that is part of the fun! I’m ready for the challenge and thrilled to see where we can take The Plant Cell together.”
