An Editor's farewell!

Abstract

Although Pflugers Archiv—European Journal of Physiology is a very traditional journal and, to the core, is the product of the commitment and solidarity of the Chief Editors and Executive Editors, I strongly feel that a vibrant journal should bring in new blood from time to time. Therefore, I have decided to step down from my position as the Editor in Chief (EiC) of Pflugers Archiv, a step I take with some sadness but with the feeling of having made the right choice. Needless to say, Pflugers has been a passion for me, and I hope many of our colleagues can confirm that I always gave it my all. Since my duties as EiC will end on December 31st, 2015, now would seem to be the time for some personal reflections. Reflecting requires a standard that must be met, such as our BAims and Scope^: BPflugers Archiv European Journal of Physiology publishes those results of original research that are seen as advancing the physiological sciences, especially those providing mechanistic insights into physiological functions at the molecular and cellular level, and clearly conveying a physiological message. Submissions are encouraged that deal with the evaluation of molecular and cellular mechanisms of disease, ideally resulting in translational research.^ (http://www.springer.com/biomed/human+physiology/ journal/424). We sought to combine the heritage of classical physiology with the modern challenges involved in Bmolecular, cellular, mechanistically, translational, linking dysfunctional physiological mechanisms to diseases,^ which I believe is a still valid and ambitious mission. It goes without saying that I very much enjoy the fact that we have always considered physiology in the traditional way, namely as a comprehensive fundamental science, which makes it necessary to take into account its broad links to all biosystems in health and disease (see, e.g., our special issue on BChannelopathies^ [3]). In fact, I always felt privileged to work for a journal with such a tremendous tradition. I felt privileged to work together with wonderful colleagues, my fellow-Executive Editors, all of whom are importantly active leading scientists, and with a dedicated Editorial Board. I felt privileged to enjoy the wonderful and highly professional support of the Editors in Heidelberg, the Springer staff, many of whom I met during my time as EiC. So, first of all, my sincere thanks to all those with whom I was so privileged to interact and to receive advice and constructive criticism from. Thanks to all of you, my enthusiasm for Pflugers has never faded! When something like a human culture first arose, science, curiosity, and the desire to acquire knowledge, the first primitive form of science, was part of it. As such, in evolutionary terms, science is perhaps even the most important part of human culture. How does science speak to us? We have developed many forms of communication, because, as one of the most important aspects of being humans with culture, we have developed language. In the scientific world, our primary language tools are journals, which allow us to speak to a huge community of highly educated and committed people who share the same enthusiasm and curiosity for not only acquiring but also disseminating knowledge. Journals are charged with this task, and they have to do so professionally. Therefore, quality control is indispensable. I think our peer-review system maintains a high standard, is fair and fast, and in the several discussions I have had with frustrated scientists whose papers where rejected, I have never heard major complaints about the quality of our reviewing system. Altogether, * Bernd Nilius bernd.nilius@med.kuleuven.be