Biomarkers has now been in existence for over 10 years and its success I think has proved that there was indeed a need for a journal to cover the rather disparate areas and ways in which biomarkers are used.
Having started and edited the journal from the end of 1995 I am very pleased with the way it has progressed and developed. However, I now feel 10 years is enough for one editor and it is time to relinquish the reins and let a new editor develop the journal further and in new directions.
Dr. Catherine Waterfield has agreed to take over as editor until at least 2008 or such time as we are able to identify and appoint a new editor willing and able to take on the position for the longer term. Dr Waterfield has been an associate editor and staunch supporter of, and contributor to the journal since its inception. She has been very active in the field of biomarker discovery, especially using such tools as metabonomics. She also has a keen interest in the subsequent validation of markers in relation to organ dysfunction and disease states.
During her tenure next year the publishers will be introducing a new and more automated system for manuscript submission and review.
We will be working closely together during the handover period so I will still have some input in relation to manuscripts submitted during my editorship. We will also be discussing necessary changes to the editorial board in relation to new directions.
So I hope by the time your read this you have had a good Christmas and wish you all a happy new year and thank you all for your help, support and hard work over the last 10 years.John TimbrellDecember 2006