Schwartzkroin and Shorvon Appointed as Epilepsia Editors

On 31st December 2005, Robert S. Fisher stepped down as Editor-in-Chief of Epilepsia. Dr. Fisher has helped guide Epilepsia to a prominent position as one of the elite neurological journals, and the academic epilepsy community owes him much gratitude for his erudite and effective leadership. As the official journal of ILAE, Epilepsia reflects the extraordinary breadth of the epilepsy research community, as well as its geographical diversity. These are features that we, the new editors, hope to maintain and further expand.

Epilepsia’s priority will remain the publication of high quality science that contributes to our knowledge about, and treatment of, epilepsy. As new editors, Simon Shorvon and I invite submissions from all parts of the world, covering all aspects of epilepsy investigation. We are committed to the broad dissemination of epilepsy information and provocative discussion. These goals will be met via high quality peer review, rapid turn-around time, and expedited processing of articles of particular import and interest. The Journal will be dedicated, first and foremost, to the publication of original research papers in clinical and basic science aspects of epilepsy. In addition, Epilepsia will feature reviews on topical issues, as well as editorial commentary that stimulates discussion and debate. As the journal of ILAE, Epilepsia will feature general interest reports from ILAE Commissions. Reports from epilepsy-relevant conferences and workshops will also contribute to the educational mission of the Journal. As in the past, the Epilepsia supplements will provide “added value” to the Journal subscription.

While the position of Epilepsia seems tranquil and secure, it is increasingly apparent to Simon Shorvon and me as incoming editors that the general landscape of academic publishing is changing rapidly. The development of internet technology has provoked vigorous discussion about open-access publishing and led to many issues – scientific, political, and financial – regarding traditional methods of print publication. Epilepsia will, inevitably, change in response to these pressures. It is our job as editors to make those changes proactively, with thoughtful deliberation and input from the Journal’s readership. Change and innovation will be carried out within the context of our mission - to maintain the highest scientific standards for the Journal, and to make epilepsy knowledge widely available to the international epilepsy community.

Epilepsia plays a special role in the epilepsy academic community. Our goal is to maintain Epilepsia as the premier journal for clinical epilepsy papers, as well as for basic science research in particular areas of translational neuroscience. Epilepsia should be the first choice journal – for epilepsy specialists as well as for biomedical researchers in related disciplines – as a source of leading-edge information in the field. Through the efforts of the professionals that use the Journal, Epilepsia can become an active player in the advancement of epilepsy research and treatment. We are grateful for the opportunity to lead these efforts, and look forward to broad participation from you, our colleagues.

Phil Schwartzkroin, Joint Editor-in-Chief, Epilepsia