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Editorial

This issue of Endocrine Reviews is the first to be published during my final year as Editor-in-Chief. I’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on the challenges of the past few years and the future of the journal.

Review articles play a critical role in biomedical literature. Primarily a pedagogical tool, they are important for bringing a researcher—either budding or seasoned—the fundamental ideas behind a given topic. Review articles offer comprehensive, critical assessments by recognized experts who often provide readers with the theoretical and bibliographic bases from years of research. For Endocrine Reviews, the authority of the articles is increased by the thoroughness of the review process.

During my tenure, I have seen the role of the review article become increasingly important. With the growth of the Internet, the amount of information easily available to researchers worldwide has become enormous—so enormous, in fact, that it is impossible for any one of us to stay abreast of the rapid changes in our chosen fields. Thus, the review article has become critical as a way to keep up. Also, review articles allow us to step back from the flood of data and synthesize numerous findings, making it easier to identify both future directions and continuing questions.

Another challenge, which is exacerbated by the information explosion, is increasing specialization among scientists. While intense focus is, obviously, a critical part of research, a more inclusive approach to scientific knowledge provides a range of understanding that can only improve our work. Review articles offer researchers the opportunity to explore a topic that might seem to have no bearing on the work at hand, but could easily bring about a fruitful, unforeseen train of thought.

During my term as Editor-in-Chief, I’ve tried to address these challenges by examining and fine-tuning the review process. However, the concerns described above will continue to grow and probably be joined by new ones. I am certain that Brad Thompson, who has been selected to serve as Editor-in-Chief of Endocrine Reviews from January 2001 through December 2005, will meet these challenges—and whatever new ones the electronic world brings—in a thoughtful and vigorous manner.

Another change for Endocrine Reviews is the addition of Recent Progress in Hormone Research as a sister publication. I am enthusiastic about this undertaking and encourage you to read the announcement regarding this on the following page.

I would like to express my gratitude to the three current Associate Editors of Endocrine Reviews, Gordon Cutler, Gilbert Vassart, and Donald McDonnell, as well as to John Cidlowski (now an Associate Editor for Molecular Endocrinology), for their superb work and help with the operation of the journal. All of us are particularly indebted to Maggie Haworth for an outstanding job as Managing Editor of Endocrine Reviews. Finally, to all our authors, reviewers, and readers, you have all contributed to the steady increase in quality and visibility of Endocrine Reviews and we are grateful for your contribution.

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