Westlake University announced on Saturday (January 10, 2026) that the Chinese mainland will launch a new flagship international journal named Vita this spring. Derived from the Latin word for "life", Vita aims to become a top-tier publication in life sciences and biomedicine 🌱🔬.
Preparations are well underway: an international serial number has been secured, and an expert advisory committee of nearly 100 distinguished scientists from around the world is in place. The first batch of original research articles is in final review, and they're scheduled to go live in the first quarter of 2026, with a print edition set to hit shelves in June 🎉.
Vita will connect to the "Langtaosha Preprint Server," led by Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation and built jointly with Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Tsinghua University, and Westlake University. This platform offers researchers a fast track to share pre-publication results and spark collaboration across borders 🌐.
Despite rapid growth in research output over the past decade, the Chinese mainland has lacked a high-profile domestic journal matching its scientific achievements. "Establishing a world-class journal led by the Chinese mainland and recognized internationally is not only necessary but urgent," said Shi Yigong, president of Westlake University.
Under the leadership of editor-in-chief Li Dangsheng, Vita will uphold rigorous peer review and open-access principles – meaning there will be no publication fees for authors. The journal is co-founded by Higher Education Press and Westlake University, in partnership with the Life Science Open Alliance.
For young scientists, professionals, and curious minds in Asia and beyond, Vita promises a fresh, inclusive platform to publish cutting-edge research and connect with a global community. Stay tuned as spring approaches for the launch of this exciting new voice in life sciences! 🚀
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
