I begin this editorial and my role as Editor-in Chief, with a pleasant task namely that of acknowledging the support and counsel proffered to me by the many senior and respected scientists who have agreed to contribute to this journal as members of the advisory and editorial boards. Some are mentors from whom I have had the privilege of receiving direct instruction either clinically or in research, and others are scholars who I have had the pleasure of knowing professionally. However, all are valued colleagues, and each brings with them their own unique experiences and expertise.
Members of the editorial and advisory boards have backgrounds in topics that range from clinical empirical research to basic and theoretical science encompassing subjects as diverse as genetics, neuroimaging, pharmacotherapy and epidemiology. The origin and geographical location of board members reflect the international readership of the journal, which is published both online and in hard copy. The journal also benefits from specialized statistical advisors and a dedicated assistant.
The aim of the journal is to present up-to-date basic and clinical research findings from pathophysiological, neurobiological and treatment studies of neuropsychiatric disorders. In keeping with this, the Associate Editor is not a psychiatrist but a pure scientist with expertise in electrophysiology, neuroimaging and clinical neurophysiology. The journal will thus furnish its readership with the latest information and emerging perspectives across all disciplines and fields relevant to neuropsychiatry. This focus will be reflected in the structure of the journal as it evolves over the next few issues and eventually assumes a new format in the New Year.
This double June–August issue begins with a humble taste of things to come. With migration of the journal from the Northern to the Southern Hemisphere, we start this journey with an invited editorial from a young clinical researcher who discusses the interaction of migration and mental illness Reference Ng(1). Other articles of note include a paper that examines the seasonal influences of first-episode admission on affective and non-affective psychoses Reference Bourke, Porter and Sullivan(2) and a report that investigates neuropsychological functioning in bulimia with comorbid depression and borderline personality disorder Reference Hallam, Berk and Kader(3). In addition to such full-length research articles, the journal publishes brief reports and systematic reviews on topics of interest. In future, it will also publish case studies and correspondence that pertain to articles in the journal and eventually include selected book reviews.
As editor, I encourage scientists and clinicians to submit their research and welcome any suggestions that readers may have to improve the journal further.
