Under the initial leadership of Drs. Charles Hennekens and Julie Buring, Annuls of Epidemiology has progressed from a fledgling journal into a scientific publication of high repute. Annals provides a unique niche in applied epidemiology by fostering an international forum that spans the full breadth of the field, as originally envisioned by these founding editors. With the assumption of editorship of the journal, my staff and I aspire to maintain the scientific standards set by Drs. Hennekens and Buring, and to expand the format of the journal. Some possible features the editors are considering for Annals include a regular section for invited papers debating controversial issues in epidemiology; a lively letters-to-the-editors section; a series of informative reviews; and listings of related publications, computer-based products, and pertinent meetings. In addition, we will make every effort to keep Annals “user-friendly” by providing constructive peer reviews and rapid turnaround time for sub-
Albert Oberman, MD, MPH Editor-in-Chief, Annals of E@emiology The Medical Center The University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL
Ann Epidemiol 1995;5:82
0 1995 by Ebevier Science Inc. 655 Avenue of the Americas, New York,
mitted manuscripts and by soliciting comments and suggestions from the readership. Epidemiology clearly plays a major role not only in understanding health and disease, but also in defining issues to be addressed by public health, occupational, and environmental policies. As the scope of epidemiology broadens, its significant contributions need to be disseminated to a broader range of health professionals. This broadening audience includes the large number of clinical investigators interested in population-based studies and those persons involved in setting health policy. Also, ways must be found to get this information in its proper context to the public. From this perspective, our goal is to build on the rapid growth experienced by Annals since its inception 4 years ago and to expand its influence. Annals offers great potential for conveying the importance and implications of epidemiologic research. We believe that both the professional community and the public at large will benefit.