In a significant development within the realm of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) has announced the appointment of Ken Herrmann, MD, MBA, as the incoming editor-in-chief of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine (JNM). Set to commence his five-year tenure on January 1, 2027, with a transition phase beginning in mid-2026, Dr. Herrmann’s leadership marks a new chapter for this prestigious publication, widely recognized as one of the premier medical imaging journals worldwide.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine holds a pivotal position in the scientific community, esteemed for its rigorous peer-reviewed articles and global reach. According to Clarivate’s Journal Citation Reports, JNM ranks seventh out of 212 journals within the medical imaging category, underscoring its influence in advancing nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and theranostics. Dr. Herrmann steps into his new role following a decade of visionary leadership by the outgoing editor-in-chief, Johannes Czernin, MD, whose tenure saw substantial growth both in the journal’s scientific impact and international prominence.
Dr. Herrmann’s career is distinguished by a blend of clinical excellence, translational research acumen, and strategic management prowess across multiple continents. Currently serving as the chair of nuclear medicine at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany, he brings over 20 years of integral experience in nuclear medicine and theranostics. His international perspective is reinforced by extensive professional engagements spanning Europe, North America, and Asia, including a near-decade of practice at prestigious U.S. institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the University of California in Los Angeles.
An alumnus of the German medical system, Dr. Herrmann completed his nuclear medicine residency in Munich and supplemented his clinical expertise with business administration knowledge by earning an MBA from the University of Zurich. His prolific scholarly contributions include over 700 publications, many of which have appeared in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine. His longstanding association with JNM as a contributor and associate editor equips him with comprehensive insights into the journal’s mission and operational dynamics.
As the landscape of academic publishing undergoes rapid evolution driven by technological innovation and global research collaboration, Dr. Herrmann has articulated a clear vision for the future of JNM. He emphasizes the imperative for the journal to enhance its global engagement and reflect the diversity of scientific inquiry and leadership that characterizes the international nuclear medicine community. His approach intends to harness digital communication advances and collaborative networks to extend the journal’s reach and societal impact.
The tradition of scientific rigor that defines JNM will remain a cornerstone under Dr. Herrmann’s stewardship. Nevertheless, he recognizes the imperative for the journal to adapt dynamically to shifts in research methodologies, publication standards, and open access paradigms. He envisions fostering a platform where novel therapeutic and diagnostic paradigms, especially genomics-driven personalized medicine and hybrid imaging modalities, are prominently featured to accelerate bench-to-bedside translation.
Dr. Herrmann’s editorial strategy also embraces diversity in authorial and research representation. By amplifying voices from emerging scientific communities across continents and integrating multidisciplinary approaches, JNM will aim to serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.
JNM’s impact extends beyond academia; it informs clinical practice and shapes policy frameworks in precision medicine. The journal’s focus on theranostics—combining targeted diagnostic imaging with therapeutic interventions—positions it at the forefront of a rapidly expanding field that promises to revolutionize how diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular conditions are managed.
The SNMMI, as JNM’s publisher, is an international scientific and medical organization dedicated to advancing nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. Through JNM, the society disseminates cutting-edge research and technological innovations, fostering a collaborative environment that nurtures translational science and improves patient outcomes globally.
Under Dr. Herrmann’s leadership, the journal is poised to consolidate its role as an indispensable knowledge hub, offering authoritative content that spans from fundamental molecular imaging science to applied clinical techniques and health policy implications. His tenure is set against a backdrop of transformative potential in biomedical imaging technologies and personalized therapeutic strategies.
The full details of Dr. Herrmann’s editorial vision and priorities will be unveiled in an official announcement slated for July 1, 2026. This forthcoming communication is anticipated to outline specific initiatives aimed at elevating the journal’s quality, accessibility, and inclusiveness in alignment with the evolving demands of modern scientific publishing.
In summary, Dr. Ken Herrmann’s appointment as editor-in-chief symbolizes a strategic milestone for The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, reinforcing its commitment to pioneering research dissemination in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. His extensive experience, academic rigor, and forward-looking perspective position him uniquely to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the journal and the broader scientific community it serves.
Subject of Research: Nuclear Medicine, Molecular Imaging, and Theranostics
Article Title: Ken Herrmann Named Next Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine
News Publication Date: February 10, 2026
Web References:
Image Credits: Image courtesy of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine
Keywords: Molecular imaging, Medical imaging, Positron emission tomography, Personalized medicine
