Dear Readers,

With this Issue, I am beginning a new challenge and commitment as Editor–in-Chief of the Glycoconjugate Journal (GJ). Following in the footsteps of Hans Vliegenthart will not be easy, but I will do my utmost to maintain the high quality standards achieved and maintained during his Editorship. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Hans for his tireless dedication to the Journal.

As you are all probably aware, the Glycoconjugate Journal, the Official Journal of the International Glycoconjugate Organization (IGO), was founded in 1984 by M.A. Chester, who together with the IGO Board organized an outstanding first issue comprising manuscripts from leading glyco-groups. I will be working hard to continue to develop this presence of quality manuscripts from top research groups while also making the GJ an attractive place to publish for the next generation of scientists.

In recent years, the Impact Factor of GJ has fluctuated around the 2.0 mark. Taking into account the rich history of the Journal and together with your support, I will be working hard to improve on this metric. GJ is pleased to publish editorials, letters, commentaries, original articles, reviews and announcements in any field of glycoconjugate science.

In order to achieve our aims, all our Editors will be acting as Handling Editors, responsible for carrying out the peer-review process and for taking the final decision. Authors will be able to select a Handling Editor based on their expertise and we are confident that this will help toward a timely and efficient peer review process.

GJ, of course, welcomes your suggestions for journal developments and initiatives, and of equal importance, we welcome your submissions to the Journal.

We are confident that the Glycoconjugate Journal will succeed in becoming a stronger and better recognized high quality journal for the publication of your research.

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