Over the past few decades, psychiatric research has increasingly converged on the importance of neuroscience for understanding psychopathology, the mechanisms of current treatments, and avenues for novel therapeutics. Despite these large scientific advances, education of psychiatrists in neuroscience has lagged significantly. This lag may be attributable to numerous factors, the result of which is a psychiatric workforce presently unprepared for understanding these innovations, interfacing with patients over them, and integrating neuroscientific advances into their clinical care.

Insights into and attempts to bridge the science-to-training gap, however, have already begun taking shape. These efforts have started on a small scale, but may very importantly inform broader efforts by the field to bring psychiatric practice closer into the fold of neuroscience. At the same time, there are concerns among clinicians that an exclusive focus on neuroscience may diminish the historically humanistic nature of psychiatry. To this aim, Academic Psychiatry is creating a special issue of articles that explore the nature of the gap, reasons why the training is lagging behind the science, and avenues for bridging this gap in creative ways, while being mindful to retain the many existing virtues of clinical psychiatry.

In keeping with the overall mission of Academic Psychiatry, papers ideally will be evidence- based, drawing upon data and outcome measures, and/or involving multiple sites. Comprehensive reviews and case studies are also welcome. All submissions will be peer reviewed in keeping with the journal's policy. Submissions are due by May 1, 2013.

Submissions should be uploaded to ScholarOne Manuscripts (http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/appi-ap). Please indicate in the cover letter that the submission is for this special issue. For more information, please visit our Web site at ap.psychiatryonline.org. Please direct questions on the submission process to Ms. Ann Tennier, Senior Editorial Associate, at 262-346-1461 or acadpsych@gmail.com.