Preface

Abstract

SummaryPerspectives was launched in 1998 as an international refereed journal publishing reviews and monographs in the fields of plant ecology, evolution and systematics. In a Preface to the first issue we set out what we hoped the new journal would achieve. Here is an extract from that Preface: We believe that writing a review is itself a creative process. It is probably not possible to produce a neutral review, or if it is, then the result is likely to be very dull! Even the decision as to which material to include and which to exclude introduces a personal view about what is important. A good review organises old ideas and facts in a such a way that new relationships become evident and new directions for research are suggested: in other words, it puts things into perspective. The new journal aims to publish not only reviews that is articles which review existing literature but also monographic studies which include original data; however, even in the monographs we are looking for substantial articles which have a review quality about them.Finally, a comment on style and quality: we aim to set the highest editorial standards for Perspectives. All articles will be subject to peer review, and will not be automatically accepted for publication, even if they were commissioned by the editors. We also aim to provide a high level of editorial support for authors, and will take pains to ensure that articles are clear and well written. We are very conscious of the special needs of scientists whose first language is not English. As editors of a journal originating in central Europe, we feel a special responsibility in helping these scientists to publish their work in the most accessible form possible.We have now produced seven issues of Perspectives, and it is appropriate to look back to assess our success in meeting those ambitious plans. In general, we have been very satisfied with the responses that Perspectives has produced, both from authors and readers. We have received numerous comments expressing appreciation of the journal as a whole, and also of particular articles. Many people have agreed to write articles for us, though the pressures of modern academic life mean that the flow of finished manuscripts has sometimes been slower than we would have wished. We hope and believe that this is a temporary problem which will disappear as the journal becomes better known. Certainly, we are encouraged by the increasing number of unsolicited offers of manuscripts which we receive. We are also very appreciative of the readiness with which so many people have given up their time to referee articles and so help us to maintain the standards of the journal.Another source of encouragement has been the rapid scientific progress we see in the subjects which we cover, which has confirmed for us the need for a journal like Perspectives. One important reason for this progress is the increasing availability of sophisticated new techniques from molecular biology. These techniques are transforming research in evolution and systematics because they allow us to determine the genetic identity and relatedness of organisms with a precision which was never previously possible. Molecular techniques are likely to have a similar impact on aspects of plant ecology, because they enable us to investigate how plants respond to environmental conditions in terms of the functioning of individual genes. These techniques are helping to define a new research agenda by bringing together disciplines such as plant ecology, systematics and molecular biology which have traditionally been very distinct. Another important factor which has stimulated progress in our subjects is public and political concerns about the “biodiversity crisis” and the emergence of conservation biology as a discipline which provides a scientific basis for tackling the problems of anthropogenic ecosystem change. Many countries are supporting major scientific programmes concerned with understanding the factors influencing biological diversity and finding ways to preserve it.It is, indeed, an exciting time to be working in the fields of plant ecology, evolution and systematics. However, the rapid developments which are taking place mean that thoughtful synthesis articles and reviews ever more in demand. As we said in our first issue: With the enormous growth of research activity, readers need more guidance through the jungle of scientific literature. The mature opinions of respected scientists about the development of their subject are particularly valued.We hope that Perspectives will contribute to meeting this need for critical and thoughtful synthesis and review, and will properly reflect the new developments which are taking place. In this endeavour, we look forward to the continued support of our authors, readers and reviewers. If you would like to contact us with comments about the journal or to discuss the possibility of writing for Perspectives, we shall be delighted to hear from you.Peter Edwards