Expert Systems with Applications, a leading peer-reviewed journal focused on intelligent systems and their real-world applications, has published its updated editorial board for 2026. The announcement appears in volume 309 of the journal, dated May 2026, and provides the full list of editors responsible for guiding submissions through rigorous peer review.

Understanding the Journal's Scope and Influence

Expert Systems with Applications publishes original research on expert and intelligent systems applied across industry, government, and academic settings. Topics range from machine learning algorithms and decision support systems to applications in healthcare, manufacturing, and environmental management. The journal maintains a strong emphasis on practical implementations that solve complex problems, making it a key resource for researchers seeking to bridge theoretical advances with tangible outcomes.

With an impact factor of 9.4 reported in 2026, the publication ranks among the top outlets in its field. This metric reflects the high citation rates of its articles and underscores the board's role in maintaining quality standards that attract submissions from leading institutions worldwide.

The 2026 Editorial Board Leadership

Professor Ling Wang, PhD, from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, continues as Editor-in-Chief. His expertise in automation and intelligent systems shapes the journal's strategic direction. Senior editors include Dr. Roohallah Alizadehsani from Queensland University of Technology in Australia, Dr. Saman Hassanzadeh Amin, Professor Rebeca Pilar Díaz-Redondo, and Professor Jan Egger, among others. The founding editor, Dr. Jay Liebowitz from the University of Maryland Global Campus in the United States, remains recognized for establishing the journal's foundational vision.

The complete board comprises 152 members across 33 countries and regions, ensuring diverse perspectives in the evaluation process. This international composition supports the journal's global reach and helps address region-specific challenges in expert system deployment.

Role of Editorial Boards in Academic Publishing

Editorial boards oversee manuscript handling, select reviewers, and make final decisions on acceptance. Members evaluate novelty, methodological rigor, and relevance to the journal's aims. For academics, serving on such boards signals expertise and opens doors to collaborations, invitations to special issues, and enhanced visibility within their discipline.

Early-career researchers and PhD candidates benefit indirectly through improved submission success rates when targeting journals with strong boards. The process typically involves initial screening by associate editors, followed by external peer review, revisions, and final approval, all coordinated under the Editor-in-Chief's oversight.

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Implications for Researchers and Institutions

Updates to editorial boards often signal shifts in focus areas, such as increased emphasis on ethical AI or sustainable computing. For university administrators, alignment with journals like this one can inform hiring decisions in computer science and engineering departments. Faculty members gain opportunities to contribute as authors or reviewers, strengthening departmental research profiles.

PhD-track job seekers should monitor board changes when planning publication strategies. Articles accepted here carry weight in tenure and promotion cases due to the journal's reputation and selectivity.

Opportunities for Academic Engagement

Academics interested in board service or reviewing roles can express interest through the journal's online portal or by contacting the Editor-in-Chief directly. Many boards seek members with specialized knowledge in emerging areas like deep learning applications or hybrid intelligent systems.

Institutions can support faculty participation by providing release time or recognizing service in workload calculations. This involvement fosters professional networks that extend beyond individual publications.

Case Examples of Published Research

Recent issues feature studies on protocol-oblivious forwarding in deep space networks and graph-based fusion techniques for similarity-based retrieval. These examples illustrate the board's commitment to advancing both foundational methods and applied solutions in expert systems.

Researchers in higher education settings frequently cite such work when developing curricula or securing grants for intelligent system projects.

Future Outlook for the Journal and Field

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, Expert Systems with Applications is positioned to publish groundbreaking work on explainable AI, federated learning, and integration with emerging technologies. The refreshed board brings fresh expertise to navigate these developments while upholding high standards.

Academic job markets in related fields may see increased demand for specialists capable of contributing to such outlets, particularly those with interdisciplinary experience.

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Practical Advice for Prospective Authors

Authors preparing submissions should review the journal's aims and scope carefully, ensure compliance with formatting guidelines, and highlight practical implications. Engaging with recent board publications helps align manuscripts with current priorities.

University libraries often provide access through institutional subscriptions, facilitating thorough literature reviews before submission.

Connecting to Broader Academic Career Paths

Publishing in respected journals supports career advancement, from securing postdoctoral positions to obtaining faculty roles. Resources on academic career development emphasize building a strong publication record alongside teaching and service contributions.

Editorial board service further distinguishes candidates in competitive searches for professorships and research leadership positions.