Editorial Scholars Program

Overview
The Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) and Oxford University Press are pleased to announce the 2026 Editorial Scholar’s Program. This opportunity is offered to early career members to enhance their skills as reviewers of manuscripts and expand the pool of qualified peer reviewers for the Society’s journals (NeuroOncology, NeuroOncology Advances,  NeuroOncology Practice and NeuroOncology Pediatrics). The program will also offer an introduction to the journals’ production and post-publication activities. The broader goal of the program is to increase exposure to, involvement in, and commitment to the journal peer-review process, ethical considerations, editing, and publishing of medical research manuscripts among early-stage researchers.

Early-career faculty members (within 7 years of a first faculty position) interested in pursuing an editorial role in scientific publishing will participate in 3 training sessions and be mentored by a journal Associate Editor or Editorial Board Member. The training sessions will involve 2 virtual group meetings to review the scientific publishing process and discuss the characteristics of a structured peer review.  The third training session will be an in-person mentoring session at the 2026 SNO meeting in Philadelphia, PA that will involve small breakout groups to discuss mock reviews. Following the completion of the 3 sessions, scholars will work with their assigned editorial mentors to conduct real time co-reviews of at least 2 manuscripts with feedback provided by mentors. 

Educational Goals
Upon completion of this program, participants will have an improved understanding of the publishing enterprise and aspects of the review process.  Specifically, the program will address:

• The various roles of editor, reviewer, and publisher to gain a broad understanding of the overall scientific publishing process.
• An overview of the editorial procedures and training on the peer review system and software.
• The characteristics of well-conducted research with respect to communication style, design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation that are critical aspects of manuscripts being considered for publication.

Eligibility
Participation in the course is through a competitive application process and is open to junior faculty (within 7 years from first appointment) from pediatric and adult neuro-oncology in clinical, basic, or translational science areas from any associated discipline.  Please note that applicants cannot serve on, or accept appointment to, the boards of editors of any journal during the length of the program. 

Application Procedure
The online application procedure requires the following items to be received in the SNO administrative office by the application deadline of April 30, 2026. 

• Applicant information and checklist
• A NIH formatted biosktech (must have published at least 1 peer-reviewed article)
• A letter of interest (1-page limit) detailing your (1) objectives in applying for the scholarship, (2) prior experience with peer review, (3) what strengths you bring to the position, (4) your area of expertise using the journal classifications*, and (5) commitment to complete all course activities
• A letter of recommendation, no more than 2 pages in length, from a division chief or other senior faculty indicating that you will have sufficient time to participate.

*Available within the Journal’s Editorial Manager system after you register for an account at https://www.editorialmanager.com/n-o/  If you already have an account, navigate to "Update My Information” under your account settings after logging in.

Applications will be reviewed by the Steering Committee and applicants will be notified in May regarding acceptance into the program. 

International Travel Scholarships Available 
TWO recipients of the 2026 Editorial Scholars’ Program who are from low-income or developing nations will be awarded a travel scholarship to attend the Editorial Scholars’ in-person session and main scientific sessions at the SNO Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, PA Nov 18-22, 2026.

In order to be considered for the travel scholarship, you must meet the guidelines:

• Be selected into the 2026 Editorial Scholars Program
• Has not previously received a travel scholarship to attend the SNO Annual Meeting
• From one of the eligible countries listed here.

Scholarship total value: $3,800 USD
Hotel: $1,000
Registration: $800
Travel support: $2,000

Recipients of the travel scholarships will be selected by the 2026 Editorial Scholars Committee. 

Steering Committee
Roy Strowd- SNO Career Development and Training Committee representative and AAN liaison
Macarena de la Fuente- SNO Neurology representative
Elizabeth Gerstner-SNO Young Investigator Committee representative
Minesh Mehta- Associate Editor for NeuroOncology
David Schiff- Associate Editor for NeuroOncology
Burt Nabors- Editorial Board Member for NeuroOncology
Elizabeth Martinson- Editorial Manager for NeuroOncology
Susan Chang- Editor-in-Chief for NeuroOncology

Program Manager
Shelley Pressley- Society for NeuroOncology
Amelia Hutsell - Society for NeuroOncology