Announcements

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Niu Gengfeng as the new Associate Editor of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN: 2313-0105).

Name: Dr. Niu Gengfeng
Affiliation: School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
Interests: cyber-psychology and behaviors; social development; mental health; social network site; body image and eating behaviors; problematic internet use; positive psychology; information technology and family system; perception and interaction with AI

Dr. Niu Gengfeng studied psychology and earned his MS.c. (2014) and Ph.D. (2017) in psychology at the School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, China. After graduation, he worked at the Institute of Social Psychology in Xi 'an Jiaotong University.

Dr. Niu is currently the associate professor in the School of Psychology, and the director of the Center for Internet Literacy and Behavior Research, at Central China Normal University. He is also a core member of the Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior (CCNU), Ministry of Education in China, which is one of the leading institutes examining individuals’ psychology and behaviors in online space. From the study stage to the present, his research interest mainly focuses on human development and mental health in a digital ecological environment. As a young researcher, he has published more than 100 papers in Chinese and English, and achieved certain influence in this research field.

The following is a short Q&A with Dr. Niu Gengfeng, who shared his vision for the journal with us, as well as his views on the research area and open access publishing:

1. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to take the role of its Associate Editor?
   Behavioral Sciences, published by MDPI, stands out due to its commitment to high-quality, peer-reviewed research in the rapidly evolving field of psychology and relevant disciplines focusing on humans’ psychology and behaviors, and it also holds positive and open attitude towards research on cyber-psychology and behaviors. The journal's dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering innovation aligns perfectly with my own passion for this research area. The opportunity to lead a platform that brings together leading researchers and disseminates cutting-edge findings is incredibly appealing.

2. What is your vision for the journal?
   My vision for Behavioral Sciences is to establish it as a leading journal in the research field of humans’ psychology and behaviors, with wide influence and good reputation. I aim to increase the journal's impact factor by attracting groundbreaking research and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. We will prioritize high standards of scientific rigor, promote innovative methodologies, and ensure the rapid dissemination of significant findings to advance the field, and promote humans’ well-being.

3. What does the future of this field of research look like?
   The future of research on humans’ psychology and behaviors, especially human development and mental health in digital era, is exceptionally promising. In the current digital era, various digital technologies and applications have become more and more common in our daily lives, greatly influencing individuals’ development and adaptation. Examining humans’ psychology and behaviors in the digital era is of great theoretical and practical implications, which is vital in promoting humans’ well-being and health.

4. What do you think of the development of open access in the publishing field?
   Open access is a transformative development in academic publishing. It democratizes knowledge by making research accessible to a broader audience, including scientists, industry professionals, policymakers, and the public. This increased accessibility accelerates the dissemination of scientific discoveries and promotes greater collaboration across disciplines. I hold a positive attitude and expectation towards open access publishing as it aligns with the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and the widespread sharing of knowledge, which are essential for the progress of science and society.

We warmly welcome our Associate Editor, Dr. Niu Gengfeng, and wish the journal every success in the future.