The University of Toronto Press (UTP), Canada’s largest university press and a global leader in academic publishing, has partnered with the Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) to publish the Journal of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (JFASD) – the only peer-reviewed journal dedicated exclusively to FASD research, policy, and practice.
Why this partnership matters
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is one of the most complex and interdisciplinary areas of health and social research, intersecting with medicine, psychology, mental health, social work, education, legal systems, public policy, prevention, and community care. As a result of this breadth, FASD research has often lacked a clear and consistent home within traditional academic publishing. Important work can become dispersed across disciplines, making it more difficult to locate, connect, and build upon. JFASD addresses this longstanding gap.
By combining UTP’s publishing expertise with CanFASD’s national leadership in collaborative FASD research, this partnership establishes a dedicated, credible, and highly visible platform for FASD-focused scholarship to reach the audiences who rely on it most.
A journal with purpose
The Journal of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder serves as an international resource for scientific publications on the epidemiology, neurobiology, psychology, and sociology of fetal alcohol toxicity, with a strong emphasis on prevention and risk reduction. Established in 2018 and publishing two issues per year, the journal took a brief pause and is now returning with renewed momentum, proudly supported by CanFASD and published by UTP. This relaunch reflects a shared commitment to strengthening academic discourse while ensuring that research remains closely connected to real-world application.
A huge opportunity for CanFASD members
To celebrate the partnership, article processing charges will be waived for one year for CanFASD members. This is a significant opportunity for researchers and practitioners who may have previously faced barriers to publishing FASD-focused work. If you are conducting research, developing models of care, or sharing practice-based knowledge, this is your moment. Make sure you are a CanFASD member to take advantage of this benefit.
A dedicated home for FASD research
JFASD has already featured impactful work that demonstrates the breadth and importance of FASD research, including:
- Towards Healthy Outcomes for Individuals with FASD
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: The Importance of Adopting a Standard Definition in Canada
- What If? Incorporating the Voices of Those with Lived Experience to Change the Focus of FASD Research
- Developing Local FASD Diagnostic Services and Models of Care in Australia
We’re excited to see the future research that will be published as a result of this renewed vision!
Submit your work
In honour of FASD Awareness Month, JFASD plans to publish the first issue in September. Submission guidelines and additional information are available on the UTP website. Researchers, clinicians, students, and policymakers are encouraged to engage with and contribute to this important journal as it continues to advance the field of FASD research and practice.