Progress report from the Editor-in-Chief, July 2004

Abstract

When we launched Genes to Cells about nine years ago, we aimed to provide an international forum for the publication of papers describing important aspects of molecular and cellular biology. Particular emphasis has been placed on works aimed at understanding the basic mechanisms underlying biological events. We presented papers on widely different subjects without concentrating on particular areas of research. The common thread linking these diverse subjects was their contribution to our understanding of basic molecular mechanisms. We will continue to adhere to this basic principle for Genes to Cells. With excellent collaboration with the international team of Editors and Associate Editors, Genes to Cells has grown steadily, attaining a firm status among biological journals with an impact factor of 4.402 (ISI. PA. USA 2003). However, I feel that our journal has not yet been properly valued, due to insufficient international exposure. Therefore, with the cooperation of the publisher, we have made major efforts to advance the global awareness of Genes to Cells. We have no doubt that this journal will offer a more attractive place to present your valuable papers. Our latest online issue is now freely available to all, and back issues become available six months after publication. Thus, Genes to Cells is one of the most easily accessible journals in biological sciences. As for the handling of papers, we have adopted the online submission system of ScholarOne, making the submission of papers technically very easy. In addition, the absence of page charges makes publishing in this journal financially attractive. The most welcome recent advancement is that Genes to Cells is now available on HighWire Press, one of the most popular and prestigious presses for online publication. Those who publish their articles in our journal will get all the benefits provided by the Press, including journals in the HighWire database. These recent improvements will make Genes to Cells even more attractive for the presentation of your papers. Ten months after introducing the system, more than 80% of papers are already being submitted online. All accepted papers are published online after proof reading and before printing, reducing the waiting time before public exposure. As a result of these initiatives, the number of papers submitted to this journal has increased significantly and so has the proportion of rejection that will elevate quality of papers that we present. Unfortunately, however, the demands on our editorial staffs have increased accordingly. I would very much appreciate your help in this regard; a careful observation of the submission guidelines will accelerate the publication of your papers and reduce our work load for their handling. We will continue our efforts to improve the efficiency and quality of our journal. I look forward to receiving your best research papers for publication and to working with you to make Genes to Cells an outstanding journal in modern biology. Genes to Cells is accessible at http://www.genestocellsonline.org or through http://highwire.stanford.edu Thank you for your continued support, Jun-ichi TomizawaEditor-in-Chief