Human Reproduction--the next phase in its development

EDITORIAL Human Reproduction—the next phase in its development When I took up the position of Editor-in-Chief of this journal, I did not entirely know what to expect from the experience, but I did know that my role as Editor-in-Chief would last for 3 years, with a possible extension of a further 3. This has the advantages that the journal can have renewal of the Editor-in-Chief role at predictable intervals with the input of ideas from this role being regularly refreshed. My 6 years in office has seen substantial progress in terms of reviewing efficiency, speed to online publication and increasing submissions and impact factors. It has been a rewarding experience. In preparation for the ending of my second term, the position was advertised, and it is a great pleasure to congratulate Professor André Van Steirteghem on his appointment as the next Editor-in-Chief of Human Reproduction , starting in January 2007. With his outstanding contribution to the field and extensive publication record, Professor André Van Steirteghem needs little introduction except to say that he enhances my confidence for the future of the journal. Throughout this year, he has served as one of the journal's Deputy Editors along with Professor Piergiorgio Crosignani and Professor John Collins. The introduction of this innovative Editorial team is already proving its worth as the Deputy Editors assist the Editor-in-Chief in the task of steering the journal towards its goal of being one of the world's leading journals in the field of reproduction. Recently, with the continuing increase in submitted papers, it has become necessary to reject some papers that have satisfied the referees that they could be published, but the review process has not awarded a high priority rating. The Deputy Editors are therefore providing an invaluable service to the journal in the very necessary task of supporting the Editor-in-Chief in the process of discrimination amongst acceptable papers and selection of those with the highest importance and priority for publication. The other aspect of the work of the Editor-in-Chief where the accumulated wisdom of the Deputy Editors is of great value is in relation to the adjudication of cases of possible publishing misconduct. The international standards relating to publication misconduct are now well established, and sadly each year, the journal has to deal with a number of cases of proved or suspected misconduct. As Editor-in-Chief, I have carried the ultimate responsibility for reaching decisions that apply …