In a significant development for the field of disaster medicine and public health preparedness, the Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health (SDMPH) has officially announced the appointment of Stephen S. Morse, Ph.D., as the incoming Editor-in-Chief of its flagship journal, Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness (DMPHP). Dr. Morse, a distinguished professor of epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, brings a wealth of expertise and experience at an intersection critical to global health security during an era marked by increasing disaster risks and emerging infectious diseases.
Dr. Morse’s academic and professional career has been profoundly rooted in infectious disease epidemiology and risk assessment, focusing intensively on emerging infections and the enhancement of early warning systems for disease outbreaks. His research has consistently sought to bridge the gap between theoretical epidemiological models and practical applications in public health emergency preparedness. This appointment underscores the journal’s ongoing commitment to maintaining scientific rigor and relevance in confronting complex disaster scenarios on a global scale.
Having served as Deputy Editor of DMPHP, Dr. Morse was thrust into a pivotal leadership position during the COVID-19 pandemic, acting as Guest Editor-in-Chief at a time when the world witnessed an unprecedented surge in scholarly submissions. During this period, he managed nearly two thousand manuscripts, navigating an immense influx of scientific articles dedicated to understanding and combatting one of the most consequential public health crises in modern history. His editorial stewardship ensured the timely dissemination of critical information to a diverse readership comprising clinicians, researchers, and policymakers.
Dr. Morse’s succession of Dr. James J. James, the founding Editor-in-Chief since the journal’s launch in 2007, signifies both a continuity of vision and the infusion of new perspectives necessary for addressing future challenges. Dr. James’ foundational work established DMPHP as a premier platform in disaster medicine and public health, elevating it into a resource indispensable for practitioners worldwide. Building on this legacy, Dr. Morse is poised to expand the journal’s scope, integrating emerging areas such as biosafety, technological innovation, and global health diplomacy.
A notable aspect of Dr. Morse’s profile is his longstanding association with public health agencies and institutes central to infectious disease control. As a founding Section Editor of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, and as a member of the Editorial Board for Health Security, he has deep insights into issues at the confluence of epidemiology, bioterrorism, and health security policy. These affiliations enhance his editorial acumen and strategic positioning for advancing DMPHP’s role in shaping evidence-based disaster medicine practices.
Dr. Morse’s appointment will officially commence on July 1, 2025, at which time he will be supported by a highly skilled editorial team. The journal has designated Eric S. Weinstein, MD, MScDM, as Lead Senior Deputy Editor. Dr. Weinstein’s expertise in emergency medicine and mass casualty simulation complements the journal’s multidisciplinary approach, particularly in assessing educational strategies and operational readiness in disaster response. His role includes overseeing initial manuscript triage, ensuring that submissions align with the journal’s rigorous standards before proceeding to peer review.
Supporting these efforts are Senior Deputy Editors Attila J. Hertelendy, PhD, and Amir Khorram-Manesh, MD, PhD. Dr. Hertelendy’s leadership in disaster medicine research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is marked by a focus on artificial intelligence, advanced technology, and the implications of climate change on health systems resilience. His editorial stewardship is anticipated to promote the integration of cutting-edge scientific discoveries into disaster medicine scholarship. Dr. Khorram-Manesh, based at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, brings an international dimension by managing submissions from the ASEAN region, ensuring that the journal remains globally representative and responsive to diverse disaster contexts.
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness stands as the foremost comprehensive publication emphasizing multidisciplinary aspects of disaster response, public health preparedness, and global health security. It serves healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and all stakeholders involved in mitigating the impact of emergencies. The journal’s mission is to translate scientific findings into actionable practice, fostering integration across medical, public health, and emergency management sectors worldwide.
Published under the auspices of the SDMPH and produced by Cambridge University Press, DMPHP reflects the society’s commitment to fostering a distinct discipline that marries disaster medicine with public health. This integration is vital as disasters increasingly challenge the resilience of health systems and demand coordinated responses that transcend traditional boundaries. The appointment of Dr. Morse aligns with this vision, positioning the journal at the forefront of scholarly innovation and dissemination.
The SDMPH itself is dedicated to advancing global health security through robust education, training, and research geared toward effective disaster response. Its initiatives aim to empower health system responders with evidence-based knowledge and best practices, grounded in scientific evidence and sound educational principles. The society’s stewardship of DMPHP as a scholarly medium epitomizes this mission, providing a platform where knowledge dissemination and professional development converge to save lives and enhance preparedness.
Dr. Morse, upon taking the helm as Editor-in-Chief, expressed deep humility and honor, acknowledging the foundational leadership of his predecessor and emphasizing the collective effort of a global community of scholars and practitioners. His forward-looking editorial agenda includes not only maintaining the journal’s standards but also expanding its influence in emerging fields such as biosafety governance, climate change impacts on public health crises, and the role of artificial intelligence in disaster risk reduction.
The intricate responsibilities that accompany leading such a crucial journal underscore the evolving nature of disaster and public health scholarship in the 21st century. As threats become more interconnected and complex — spanning infectious diseases, technological disasters, and climate-related emergencies — journals like DMPHP must evolve to provide timely, scientifically robust content that informs policy and operational decisions worldwide. Dr. Morse’s appointment heralds a renewed commitment to this transformative journey.
In closing, the Society’s strategic decision to elevate Dr. Morse to Editor-in-Chief sets a progressive tone for the future of disaster medicine publishing. His expertise in epidemiology, commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, and editorial leadership during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic position him uniquely to guide the journal toward greater scientific impact and practical relevance. The global community of health professionals and scholars eagerly anticipates the innovative directions and critical discourse that will emerge under his tenure.
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Article Title:
Stephen S. Morse, Ph.D., Appointed Next Editor-in-Chief of Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness
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Keywords:
Epidemiology; Public health; Scientific journals; Scientific organizations; Education research; Climate systems; Life sciences; Artificial intelligence
