I remember relaxing in a Seattle airport lounge in 2018, on my way back to Nashville from another exceptional World Molecular Imaging Congress (WMIC). In walked a good friend and colleague, Dr. Ray Gibson, who was the Editor-in-Chief of Molecular Imaging and Biology. I motioned Ray over, and the two of us shared an enjoyable moment before our respective flights, chatting about the journal. As Ray elaborated on the current facets of Journal business, I was struck by how much time, effort, and sheer dedication is required to be an exceptional editor for a journal with an international audience and a high bar for success. And an exceptional editor Ray was, gently pursuing the correct reviewers, often reviewing papers himself, and even editing accepted manuscripts to ensure a consistent Journal voice. Ray’s daily influence resulted in better papers and overall, a better Journal. The role of Editor-in-Chief at MIB is a giant effort, often carried out in the late of night, on weekends and holidays, and away from public view. For scientists, editors represent an important bridge between our results and the public. Following Ray Gibson’s tenure at MIB, the torch was passed to Dr. Jason Lewis in 2020 (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1
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Jason S. Lewis, Ph.D.; Editor-in-Chief, Molecular Imaging and Biology, 2020–2023; Emily Tow Chair, Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA

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For over three years, Jason has been an exquisite Editor-in-Chief of MIB, launching numerous initiatives aimed at raising Journal awareness and adding to its prestige and accessibility. Largely behind the scenes, Jason has committed countless hours to ensure the high standards of MIB are maintained, enduring the uncertainties of a global pandemic and emerging artificial intelligence technologies that threaten the integrity of scholarship. Because of Jason’s exceptional character and vast grasp of the field, authors could, without question, trust that work submitted to MIB would be handled fairly, correctly, and in a very timely manner. Jason brought great humanity to the role of Editor-in-Chief by personally connecting with supporting editors and reviewers, never relying on automated emails or staff to send out manuscripts or seek reviews; rather, phone calls, emails, and text messages, were the norm, and these were always sent with an uplifting tone that brightened days. A clear champion of diversity, equity and inclusion, Jason worked to illuminate the work scientists from all regions of the world. As members of WMIS and the larger molecular imaging community, please join me in thanking Jason for his tireless service as Editor-in-Chief of MIB (2020–2023).

As we look to an exciting new year, the torch has once again been passed, this time to Deputy Editor, Dr. Marty Pagel, who has agreed to serve in the role of Editor-in-Chief for a limited time. One of Marty’s tasks is to work closely with the WMIS Board and Executive Leadership to recruit a new Deputy Editor who can take the role of Editor-in-Chief in the near future. We are very excited for Marty to take the reins during this exciting time and for the many positive impacts he is sure to make.