Stepping Down as Editor-in-Chief of Communications Journal - Prof. Ing. Branislav Hadzima, PhD.

December 2025 • Prof. Ing. Branislav Hadzima, PhD.

After years of service, I am handing over the position of Editor-in-Chief of the scientific journal Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina. This is a personal milestone for me and also an opportunity to briefly look back at the journey the journal has taken.

The Journey of the Journal

During my tenure, the Communications journal established itself as a respected multidisciplinary platform for scientific and professional contributions in the field of transport, telecommunications and related technical and natural science disciplines.

Each issue was the result of systematic work by the editorial board, reviewers and authors from Slovakia and abroad. We have long focused on:
• improving the quality of published articles,
• strengthening the international dimension of the journal,
• professionalizing and modernizing publication processes.

Key Milestones

Increasing Quality and Transparency

We introduced stricter review procedures and clearer publication standards. The share of articles with international participation of authors and reviewers has increased significantly.

Digitalization and Process Modernization

We adapted the publication process to modern standards of scientific publishing and made the journal accessible to a wider scientific community through online platforms.

International Visibility

A significant achievement is the inclusion of Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina in the Web of Science - Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI) database. Articles published since 2022 (starting with issue 24(1)) are part of this database, which significantly increases the visibility of our authors' work and the quality of the university's scientific output.

Supporting Young Scientists

The journal has become a natural entry point for young researchers and doctoral students who were able to publish their first quality scientific papers in a respected journal.

Handover of Leadership

From November 1, 2025, the new Editor-in-Chief takes over the leadership of the journal: Prof. Ing. Gabriel Gaspar, PhD. I am convinced that under his leadership, the journal will continue to develop and strengthen its professional and international position.

For me personally, this stage represents a natural transition to the next challenge - my candidacy for Rector of the University of Zilina. I see the experience of leading a scientific journal as an important part of preparing to lead the university as a whole: where quality, cooperation, trust and systematic support of talented people are equally important.

Acknowledgments

I sincerely thank all members of the editorial board, reviewers, authors and colleagues who contributed to the development of the Communications journal. Without your professional work, responsibility and long-term commitment, these results would not have been possible.

Quality science and quality publication activity are the foundation of a strong and respected university.

Stepping Down as Editor-in-Chief of Komunikacie Journal - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina