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Molecular Endocrinology—Reflections from the Growing Years!

School of Molecular Bioscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-4660

Molecular Endocrinology entered the world 20 years ago through the inspired leadership of Bert O’Malley coupled with the careful birthing provided by its first Editor-in-Chief, Brad Thompson. A good idea took hold and the second Editor-in-Chief, Tony Means, successfully navigated the journal through its early years, taking it to new heights of accomplishment. As the third Editor-in-Chief, I inherited the growing years of Molecular Endocrinology. Many would argue that the growing years of childhood are marked by a "carefree and happy" period. Others would argue that the growing years can be overwhelming and filled with trepidation. Because I followed in the footsteps of talented and accomplished Editors-in-Chief, I experienced both anxiety and excitement. There was the nervousness always associated with making something good even better. At the same time, undertaking this challenge was exciting. Now, I have the privilege of looking back and asking what happened during those growing years.

I knew from previous experience that success often occurs when you surround yourself with people who are more accomplished and who share similar values. Consequently, I was delighted when Jeff Rosen, Olli Jänne, Kelly Mayo, JoAnne Richards, and John Cidlowski agreed to serve as Editors. Together, we committed to the principle of promoting scholarship through a foundation of integrity, fairness, and a willingness to entertain new ideas, especially those that emanated through our readership. We wanted the journal to be viewed as responsive and responsible to its constituents. While I think we achieved this goal, you readers will know better than I.

"Something old, something new, something borrowed...". Although often associated with weddings, this phrase also provided a recipe for building on the early success achieved by Brad and Tony. Minireviews appeared in selected earlier issues of Molecular Endocrinology. By the end of our term we were publishing these as bimonthly installments. It is pleasing to see that John Cidlowski and his team of talented Editors have now made these a part of every issue. We borrowed from the concept of special issues linked to the Annual Meeting of The Endocrine Society and in March 2001 included a thematic section that explored the growing partnership between structural biology and molecular endocrinology. New additions included the unveiling of a fully integrated Web-based submission, review, and manuscript-tracking system as we moved into the new millennium in 2000. Shortly thereafter we added an electronic repository for supplemental data. Making this transition to electronic submission and review entailed much labor, but it is now the mainstay of all the Endocrine Society journals, making the effort well worth the time invested.

In 2003 the growing years gave way to the mature ones as the torch was passed to John Cidlowski and his new team of Editors. I know that I speak for all of my team in declaring that we had fun, worked hard, but were pleased to pass the opportunity of shepherding a great journal on to a fresh group. Now, it is even more exciting to watch Molecular Endocrinology continue to grow and achieve and to have the opportunity to extend a much-deserved wish for a happy 20th anniversary. What began as a great idea in 1985 has clearly transformed into a product of enduring value. So, here’s my toast to continued growth and prosperity along with a final thanks for allowing me the chance to be a part of something special.

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