Brenda Peat Retires After Nearly a Decade of Elevating the Journal of Forensic Sciences

After nearly ten years of dedicated service, Brenda Peat has retired as of September 15 from her role as Managing Editor of the Journal of Forensic Sciences (JFS), the premier publication of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). Her tenure leaves behind a journal that has elevated content, is more author-focused, and more influential than when she arrived.

From the outset, Brenda set a high bar for what it means to run a world-class scientific journal — one defined as much by rigor as by respect for the authors who submit their work. She helped cultivate what colleagues describe as an "author-first" mentality throughout the editorial office, an approach reflected in the steady stream of appreciative feedback the JFS receives from contributors. One recent example: a letter from author Haitao Yang, PhD, praising the editorial team's professionalism, fairness, and "clear and thoughtful guidance provided at each stage" of the review process — sentiments echoed by many who have worked with the JFS under her leadership.

That "author-first" philosophy never came at the expense of speed or rigor. Maintaining fast, consistent publication timelines remained a top priority throughout Brenda's tenure. Even as manuscript submissions grew substantially, the JFS improved its average turnaround time, which is a notable achievement given the added volume and a testament to the operational discipline Brenda brought to the editorial office.

The results show in the numbers. The JFS' Impact Factor rose to 1.9 in 2025, a 5.5% increase and an all-time high for the JFS, continuing an upward trajectory that included the transition to a single digit Web of Science ranking in 2023. Strengthening the JFS' overall influence and reach remained a consistent strategic focus under her leadership.

Brenda was also instrumental in launching the Forensic Lab Talks (FLT) Seminar Series in 2022, a partnership with Wiley that expanded the JFS' advertising program through sponsored virtual seminars. The initiative has been a standout success, drawing an average of roughly 1,200 registrants per seminar, all while giving AAFS members free access to skills training and forensic knowledge, elevating both the JFS and AAFS brand along the way.

As Brenda moves into retirement, she leaves the Journal of Forensic Sciences stronger, faster, and more globally connected than she found it. Her colleagues and the countless authors she supported over the years extend their heartfelt thanks and best wishes for this next chapter.