The British Journal of Radiology

The British Journal of Radiology
Title	The British Journal of Radiology
Discipline	Radiology, Oncology, Medical physics
Editor	Professor (e.g., A. G. Chalmers)
Publisher	British Institute of Radiology
Country	United Kingdom
History	1928–present
Frequency	Monthly
Openaccess	Hybrid
Impact	2.6 (2022)
ISSN	0007-1285
EISSN	1748-880X

The British Journal of Radiology. It is a prominent monthly peer-reviewed medical journal covering all aspects of diagnostic imaging, radiation oncology, and medical physics. Owned and published by the British Institute of Radiology, it serves as a key forum for research and review articles that influence clinical practice globally. The journal has been a cornerstone of the radiological sciences since its inception, contributing significantly to advancements in fields like computed tomography and radiotherapy.

History and development

The journal was established in 1928 by the British Institute of Radiology, an organization itself formed from the 1897 merger of the Röntgen Society and the Electrotherapeutic Society. Its early volumes documented the rapid evolution of the field following the discoveries of Wilhelm Röntgen and included work from pioneering figures like Sir Godfrey Hounsfield. Throughout the 20th century, it chronicled major technological shifts, from the advent of ultrasound to the development of magnetic resonance imaging. The journal has maintained continuous publication through significant events like World War II and has evolved from a primarily United Kingdom-focused publication to an international resource.

Scope and content

The journal publishes original research, review articles, technical notes, and case reports encompassing the full spectrum of radiological science. Its core areas include diagnostic radiology techniques such as computed tomography angiography, positron emission tomography, and digital mammography. In therapeutic domains, it covers topics like stereotactic radiosurgery, brachytherapy, and proton therapy. It also features substantial content on radiation protection, radiobiology, and the work of bodies like the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Special issues often focus on emerging areas like artificial intelligence in imaging.

Editorial processes

The journal operates under the governance of an Editor-in-Chief, supported by an international board of editors and deputy editors specializing in areas like neuroradiology and paediatric radiology. Manuscripts undergo rigorous single-blind peer review managed by the British Institute of Radiology editorial office. The journal employs an online submission system and adheres to guidelines from organizations such as the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. It offers both traditional subscription and open access publishing options in line with initiatives like Plan S.

Impact and recognition

It is consistently ranked in the top quartile of journals in the Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging category of the Journal Citation Reports. With an impact factor typically around 2.6, it is considered a leading mid-tier journal in its field. It is indexed in major databases including PubMed, Scopus, and the Science Citation Index. The journal's influence is reflected in its citation in guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and its use in educational programs by institutions like the Royal College of Radiologists.

Notable publications

The journal has published many seminal papers that have shaped modern radiology. Early influential work included studies on the clinical applications of X-rays. It featured key research leading to the development of computed tomography, for which Sir Godfrey Hounsfield later received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. More recent high-impact articles have covered advances in image-guided radiotherapy, the use of contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging, and the role of radiotherapy in treating cancers like those defined by the TNM staging system.

Related societies and events

As the official journal of the British Institute of Radiology, it is intrinsically linked to that society's activities, including the annual BIR Annual Congress. It maintains strong affiliations with other major radiological bodies such as the Royal College of Radiologists, the European Society of Radiology, and the Radiological Society of North America. The journal often features proceedings from conferences like the UK Radiological Congress and supports awards and lectureships administered by the British Institute of Radiology, such as the Mackenzie Davidson Memorial Lecture.

Category:Medical journals published in the United Kingdom Category:Radiology journals Category:Monthly journals Category:Publications established in 1928