Juanita Goossens-Roach

Cambridge University Press & Assessment

I am an experienced scholarly publishing leader with over twenty years in peer review management, editorial operations, community engagement, and professional development. My career has centred on improving the quality, integrity, transparency, and inclusivity of research communication. I am seeking election as Education Committee Chair because I believe deeply in the role that structured, accessible, high‑quality learning plays in strengthening our industry, and I am eager to contribute my strategic, operational, and people‑centred experience to help shape ALPSP’s educational vision.

I currently serve as Peer Review Manager at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, where I oversee peer review operations across our journal portfolio, lead global teams, and drive strategic initiatives that improve efficiency, author and reviewer experience, and research integrity. I have developed and delivered training programmes for staff, mentored colleagues across different career stages, and embedded inclusive, accessible working practices across distributed teams.

In parallel with my organisational role, I have contributed significantly to the wider publishing community. I recently concluded my term on the Board of Directors for the International Society of Managing and Technical Editors (ISMTE), where I also served as Webinar Committee Chair and Board Liaison. This role involved chairing a volunteer committee, reviewing proposals, supporting speaker recruitment, and ensuring that ISMTE’s educational content remained relevant, responsive, and aligned with organisational strategy. This required a full operational cycle: scoping themes, reviewing proposals, curating speakers, coordinating logistics, and evaluating engagement outcomes.

A highlight of my professional contribution was the design and implementation of a comprehensive Learning & Development programme that went on to win the ISMTE Innovation Award. This initiative was recognised for its originality, impact, and ability to address real capability gaps in the scholarly publishing workforce. The programme comprises a multi‑module curriculum covering peer review fundamentals, ethical editorial practice, research integrity, transparent communication, inclusive and accessible editorial workflows, conflict resolution, and navigating emerging issues such as AI in publishing. It also includes

leadership modules on coaching, mentoring, giving effective feedback, and managing global teams. The programme was designed to be scalable, adaptable, practical, and engaging, with a blend of structured learning, scenario‑based exercises, and reflective practice. It remains one of my proudest achievements because it reflects my belief that learning should empower, uplift, and equip colleagues at all levels to work confidently and ethically.

My broader industry involvement includes speaking, moderating, and hosting sessions at international conferences and knowledge‑sharing events, including ISMTE, EASE, and university career programmes. I am also an active mentor, supporting early‑career professionals, individuals exploring editorial and operational careers, and colleagues navigating disability or neurodiversity in the workplace. Additionally, I volunteer through community initiatives such as Form the Future, helping students explore potential career pathways. These experiences reinforce my commitment to widening participation, building confidence, and supporting the next generation of publishing professionals.

My motivation for standing for election stems from three core values. First, I believe ALPSP’s educational output is central to equipping practitioners with the skills and judgement required in a fast‑changing sector. Second, I am passionate about ensuring that professional development is inclusive, accessible, and able to address the complexities of modern scholarly publishing—from open research and technology shifts to integrity, trust, and DEI. Third, I believe well‑designed learning programmes strengthen not only individuals but the entire ecosystem by improving quality, consistency, and collaboration.

If elected, I would bring strategic vision, collaborative leadership, governance experience, and a deep commitment to inclusive learning. Having served as a Board Director and committee lead, I understand how to balance strategic oversight with practical delivery, align committee outputs with organisational priorities, and support staff and volunteers in working confidently and effectively. I would be honoured to help lead ALPSP’s Education Committee and contribute to a dynamic, impactful, and future‑focused learning programme for our global community.