Outgoing Editor-in-Chief

Over the last 3 years, our two leading journals of endocrine basic science, Journal of Endocrinology and Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, have undertaken an unusual and possibly unique experiment in scientific publishing. Concerned with the perception that the precise scientific remit of these journals had become indistinct, we took the step of creating a single expert editorial board to oversee both journals and to define their remit with greater clarity. This structure provided the additional option of re-allocating manuscripts between the journals so as to optimize their fit. At the same time, we have sought to expand the international perspective of the journals, in part by expanding the geographical coverage of the editorial board to reflect the developing spread of endocrine excellence. Furthermore, we have modernized the journal format, bringing in varied and attractive journal covers, more contemporary fonts and page sizes. Now, as I come to the end of my term as editor-in-chief of the joint board, it seems a good time to review the effectiveness of this experiment.

Journal submissions and acceptances have increased by 50% over this period. A significant part of this increase has been from less traditional endocrine scientific communities such as those in …