New Zealand Journal of Botany Appoints Prof Samantha C. Karunarathna as Co-Editor-in-Chief

Samantha Chandranath Karunarathna is a professor at the Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, Qujing Normal University. He received his PhD from the Center of Excellence in Fungal Research at Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand, in 2016, followed by postdoctoral research at the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Over the past decade, his work in mycology in Yunnan has demonstrated significant expertise in fungal taxonomy, phylogeny, and their economic relevance, with more than 300 SCI-indexed publications (WOS h-index = 51, citations = 15,324). His research has been supported by three National Science Foundation of China (NSFC) grants, the Yunnan Talents Grant 2022, and the Yunnan Friendship Award 2022. He has been recognised among the world's top 2% of scientists from 2022 to 2025 by Stanford University's rankings.

Sam's connection with NZJB began when he launched the landmark Mycology Special Issue in June 2023, followed by joining the journal as Associate Editor in March 2024, and his promotion to Section Head: Mycology in October 2025. Since then, Sam has been a tireless champion for the journal in this field, opening up entirely new communities and regions for NZJB and helping to establish many opportunities along the way. This new role formally recognises that groundbreaking contribution and his leadership. Sam is also the first overseas-based editor to hold an EiC-level position across any RSNZ journal in the Society's history. 

Sam joins Lara in this leadership role at a pivotal time for NZJB. The journal has just achieved a 2025 Impact Factor of 3.4, its highest ever, and now draws on the expertise of 57 editors from 20 countries. From 2026, the Society's journals, including NZJB, have entered a new partnership with Wiley, supporting the journal's strategic direction to grow its international presence, deepen interdisciplinary engagement across plant science, and enhance its global visibility and impact. Sam's appointment further strengthens NZJB's standing in mycology, alongside continued investment in the journal's traditional plant science topic areas.

"Fungi are among the most significant and diverse organisms worldwide, with a substantial impact on humanity. We expect the New Zealand Journal of Botany will be a valuable platform for advancing collective understanding of fungal sciences."
— Prof Samantha Karunarathna, Co-Editor-in-Chief, New Zealand Journal of Botany

"I am thrilled to welcome Sam to the role of Co-Editor-in-Chief of the New Zealand Journal of Botany. Since Sam’s appointment to the Editorial Board in 2024, his strong reputation and research networks have helped make mycology a key strength of the journal. I look forward to working with Sam to continue building the journal’s profile and impact. "
— Dr Lara Shepherd, Co-Editor-in-Chief, New Zealand Journal of Botany

"Sam's appointment marks an important milestone for NZJB and for Royal Society Te Apārangi journals more broadly, as we continue to build leadership teams and editorial boards for a portfolio of truly international reach and impact. I'm delighted to welcome him to this role alongside Lara.”
— Fei He, Head of Publishing, Royal Society Te Apārangi

The Society looks forward to working with Prof Karunarathna and Dr Shepherd as the New Zealand Journal of Botany builds further on its profile and recognition, strengthening connections with the global research community while remaining steadfast in supporting and showcasing research from Aotearoa New Zealand.