I am delighted to announce the launch of SPIE’s journal Biophotonics Discovery. This journal will cover new biological and clinical discoveries enabled by emerging biophotonic technologies, as well as the impact these discoveries are having in translation, basic science, and commercialization. It’s being launched in the recognition that our field has grown substantially over the last several decades and now incorporates physicists, engineers, biologists, physicians, entrepreneurs, representatives from governmental and nonprofit agencies, and others. This diverse and growing community is expanding the scope and applications of biophotonic technologies. These efforts have led to real-world impacts in research and healthcare. Just look at the scientific, commercial, and medical success stories related to OCT, endoscopy, and wearables, among others. In many ways, this journal is a recognition of the successes of our field as measured by the growing influence and impact of our work. Let me further make the case by quoting the former Nobel Laureate Sydney Brenner, who once said: “Progress in science depends on new techniques, new discoveries, and new ideas, probably in that order.”

While a plethora of new techniques and technologies have already been developed and refined by our community, it’s the novel discoveries made using these techniques, along with their impact on both basic science and clinical medicine, that Biophotonics Discovery will highlight. The journal will cover topics spanning

To emphasize discovery, every published article will include a “Discovery Statement,” which is a short (3 sentences or less) statement that describes the specific scientific discovery and/or the translational impact presented in the article. We have also implemented several novel and defining features, which I summarize here:

Submissions to the journal have been brisk, with an impressive quality and breadth. We have just released our first issue, which features four articles highlighting research from Jennifer Barton’s group at the University of Arizona, Melissa Skala’s group at the Morgridge Institute, and Narasimhan Rajaram at the University of Arkansas.

We have several special sections and projects planned. A special section on Optics for Cancer Therapy Monitoring and Diagnosis will be guest edited by Javier A. Jo, Narasimhan Rajaram, Srivalleesha Mallidi, and Alex Walsh. A special section on Skin Tone in Biophotonics will highlight papers that describe how differences in skin tone affect a wide range of optical techniques. Guest editors include Joshua Pfefer (FDA), Jessica Ramella-Roman, Kimani Toussaint, and Matthew Keller. We are planning a special section on Optics for Global Health that will highlight how biophotonics is impacting diverse communities across the globe. Rebecca Richards-Kortum, Vanderlei S. Bagnato, and Jenna Mueller will guest edit this special section. Finally, we are planning a community publication on commercialization of biophotonic technologies. I will spearhead this effort with Gabriela Apiou.

I encourage members of our community to get involved with the journal by submitting manuscripts, suggesting special sections, editorials, reviews, and perspectives, and nominating early-career editors.

I am exceedingly grateful to the wide support I’ve received to start this journal. This includes many leading lights of the community who serve as senior advisors, deputy editors, and associate editors. I’m extremely grateful to the SPIE staff, including Gwen Weerts, Renae Keep, Eva Scalzo, and Patrick Franzen, who have been working tirelessly to get the journal up and running. A special thanks to Anita Mahadevan-Jansen, who supported the journal since the beginning and has been helping me on a week-to-week basis with ideation and strategy. And finally, special thanks to Brian Pogue, Bruce Tromberg, David Boas, and Anna Devor, whose support and discussion has helped refine the vision for this journal.