The Analytical Chemistry Advisory Boards.

Abstract

L me introduce two important groups of outstanding scientists, our Editorial Advisory Board (EAB) and our Features Panel. These are exceptional scientists who have lent us their names, reputations, ideas, and time in an ongoing effort to improve the journal. Affiliated with universities, industry, or institutes, they represent the United States, Europe, and Asia. Our EAB and Features Panel members publish some of their best work in Analytical Chemistry. You do not have to believe me, just look at the contents of this virtual issue featuring articles from each of these individuals. While over the past several years, our advisory members have averaged four papers in the journal, we asked them to select only one article to highlight for this issue. The range of topics spans the subfields of analytical chemistryfrom chromatography, electrochemistry, mass spectrometry, microfluidics, nanoparticles, sensors, spectroscopy, among many othersand reflects the breadth of knowledge these scientists bring to the journal. While many of you may know that Analytical Chemistry has these two advisory boards, it is worth reminding readers of the important ways these exceptional individuals serve the journal. The EAB provides feedback to the Editors from the perspective of the readers and authors and acts as a sounding board for journal policy changes. Among the many topics we discussed last year were our guidelines for article length, scientific and geographic areas where we need to expand our coverage, concerns relating to the peer review process, and a number of ideas for special issues. EAB members are also asked to help arbitrate appeals to editorial decisions, weigh in on other reviewing issues, and to represent the journal in their respective scientific disciplines. The Features Panel serves an important but somewhat different advisory role. While most Analytical Chemistry readers have read our Features, Perspectives, and Reviews, I am guessing that few have considered where most of the ideas for these invited articles come from. The primary responsibility of the Features Panel is to suggest authors and topics for these articles; they are also asked to provide feedback on other issues related to running the journal so that we remain responsive to our varied scientific communities. Features Panel members are selected to represent the broad interests that complement our Editors’ areas of expertise. They serve for a single three-year term, ensuring that Analytical Chemistry receives a fresh stream of exciting ideas for these special articles. To all of the current and past members of our EAB and Features Panel, thank you for publishing your outstanding science in Analytical Chemistry. For your time and efforts at improving the journal, I am in your debt.