Abstract
We write this editorial on a wave of enthusiasm, prompted by the recent listing of European Stroke Journal in the Science Citation Index, with a first Impact Factor of 5.894. We are delighted with this excellent achievement, which is a testament to contributions from multiple sources. ESJ started with the ESO members who lobbied vigorously in 2014 for our own journal, in parallel with the ESO Conference, and was subsequently encouraged by colleagues worldwide. We are particularly grateful to the teams who built the journal itself. In particular, our former Editors, Professors Bo Norrving and Didier Leys, deserve great credit for their leadership. Last, but not least, we thank our authors and reviewers, and you as readers, for ensuring that the journal is able to publish original research and guidance for its readers. The very high first impact factor reflects the relevance and quality of the journal’s content, and the influence that it is having on clinical care.
This issue contains four further ESO Guidelines that were presented recently during the ESO Conference. Just as each guideline represents the result of extensive, painstaking review of the literature by a team of clinical experts, the original trials that inform the guidance were planned and conducted by highly motivated researchers, collaborating closely. These networks, teams and committees cooperate across national and international boundaries. Although digital communication in every form facilitates this, at the centre of all of these groupings are relationships built on personal interactions, trust and respect. Meeting face to face, as we recently resumed for ESOC 2022 in Lyon, reinforces these essential links.
We recognise that maintenance of personal elements in our work is an invaluable aspect. Even when treated strictly according to guidelines, our patients benefit from the reassurance of a friendly face and from continuity of care, especially after a traumatic life event such as stroke. Our colleagues should gain confidence and learn better from each other when teams are cohesive and expectations can be consistent.
At the ESJ, we aim to apply these principles just as strongly. As editors, we try to provide feedback to authors that extends beyond standard letters. Our reviewers give their time and expertise generously, and consistently offer constructive criticism even when manuscripts may not be able to meet the threshold for publication in ESJ. However, our policy is to guide and improve standards where feasible. Manuscripts containing informative data will not be rejected outright without seeking every opportunity to solve any analytic or interpretative problem that is identified during review, provided that the final conclusion may be reliable.
We anticipate that our new impact factor will further stimulate quantity and quality of submissions, and we welcome this. In parallel, we can report that timelines to first decision on manuscripts are closely monitored to ensure timely publication, and that our page budget for 2023 has been expanded to avoid declining valuable material.
The first phase of ESJ’s growth has been completed: the journal has reached maturity in terms of recognition and wide readership. Now, we aim to extend its reach through expanded content. We acknowledge and thank everyone who has contributed to this successful journey and ask you all to continue with us on the road ahead.