The 2018 Symposium for Counsellors and Editorial Board of Historiography Quarterly Held

　　On September the 9th, 2018, the 2018 symposium for counsellors and editorial board of Historiography Quarterly was held at Institute of World History (IWH), CASS. Researcher Chaoguang Wang (editor-in-chief of Historiography Quarterly) gave an address of welcome. Mr. Pu Liu (head of section of journals, Bureau of Scientific Research, CASS) introduced the current situation and organization of academic journals of CASS. Researcher Ying Wu (executive editor-in-chief of Historiography Quarterly) summarized the works of the editorial in the last two years. Researcher Xudong Wang (IWH, CASS) offered advice on the improvement of the journal as a proofreader. The counsellors and members of the editorial board had a free discussion. They praised the recent achievements of Historiography Quarterly, pointed out its remaining shortcomings, and provided their opinions on its further improvements. Several editors of Historiography Quarterly also shared their working experience and advice for the journal.

　　Chaoguang Wang (editor-in-chief of Historiography Quarterly, researcher of IWH) thanked the participants for their coming and support on behalf of the editorial. He believed that while the journal had already made remarkable progress, it was still facing great challenges. In the background of reformation of universities and the subsequent fierce competition, Historiography Quarterly is in bad need of great support and valuable advice on how to improve itself and secure its leading position among academic journals around China. Researcher Wang also offered suggestion on the potential topics of Historiography Quarterly, such as the 60 years after the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and France, the May 4th Movement of China from an international perspective, the March 1st Movement of Korea, could all become attractive topics next year from the perspective of historiography and its own history. He also emphasized that we should pay attention to undertake these researches under the guidance of theories, especially historical materialism.

　　Mr. Pu Liu (head of section of journals, Bureau of Scientific Research, CASS) confirmed that Historiography Quarterly had made great progress in recent years. He also believed that the annual symposium was a good way to invite constructive advice. He said that Section of Historical Materialism and Historical Theories, IWH is competent to run the journal for its own research standard; and the research standard can secure the quality of one academic journal. He then briefly introduced the current situation and problems of journals of CASS. He pointed out that while journals of CASS still enjoyed high reputation at home, they were also facing great challenges for their further development. The first problem is the identity of editors, as their work are always considered inferior to original academic research, which often make researchers reluctant to dedicate their time and energy to the editorial works. The second issue is payment, as the contribution fees are still very low, and the payments are restricted in many ways. The third difficulty is that the appraisal of academic titles for journal editors is extremely strict. He called for fair attitude to the editorial work and efforts to provide better working and living conditions for editors.

　　Editor-in-chief Chaoguang Wang concluded the symposium. He considered most of the suggestions of the participants valuable; and responded at some focuses of the discussion, such as how to encourage young authors, peer review, how to choose topics and design special sections. Finally, Research Chaoguang Wang thanked the participants of the symposium again and wished that they would keep supporting Historiography Quarterly in the future.