It was 2005 when I had the privilege of being named editor in chief of Audiology and Neurotology. After meeting with Thomas Karger and his son, Steven, in Basel, I was given the charge of continuing the success of the journal that was initiated by my predecessor, the eminent Professor Manfried Hoke of the Institute of Experimental Audiology, University of Munster. I revisited the intent of the journal which was concentrated heavily on audiology and vestibular disease and broadened its scope

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... the byline "The independent journal of current basic science and clinical research" and created the following as the guiding focus of the journal: "Audiology and Neurotology provides a forum for the publication of the most advanced and rigorous scientific research related to the basic science and clinical aspects of the auditory and vestibular system and diseases of the ear. This journal seeks submission of cutting-edge research, opening new and innovative fields of study that may improve our understanding and treatment of patients with disorders of the auditory and vestibular systems, their central connections, and their perception of the central nervous system. In addition to original articles, the journal also offers invited review articles on the current topics written by leading experts in the field. The journal is of primary importance for all scientists and practitioners interested in audiology, otology and neurotology, auditory neurosciences, and related disciplines." I began my mission by enlisting for the editorial board individuals who through their scholarship and contributions would not only be the very best judge of submitted articles but who also would attract the best scientific offerings. As such, I enlisted a who's who of academic su-perstars. This group included Drs. Joseph Nadol, Allen Ryan, Lloyd Minor, Jochen Schacht, Robert Wenthold, and Lionel Collet. I also enlarged the editorial board and engaged many leading international clinician-scientists and researchers. During this time, there has been an evolution of the journal from its origins in audiology to a more balanced representation of otology, neurotology, audiology, and neuroscience. Given the importance of restoration and rehabilitation of hearing, there has been a steady increase in articles that deal with cochlear implants and their efficacy. Of the most recent 80 publications, the distribution of topics represented was as follows: otology and neurotology 30 papers, cochlear implants 26, audiology 11, tinnitus 5, inner ear 3, hearing aids 3, and vestibular 2. Today, the journal has truly become international in its scope, receiving manuscripts from academic centers across the globe. A most recent count of 80 accepted papers in the past year and a quarter revealed that 45% came from authors in Europe, 24% from Asia, 10% North America, 5% South America, and 16% from the rest of the world. One of the unique features of the journal, which was quite popular, was the journal cover. For each issue, I selected one of the figures from an article in that issue to serve as the cover image. The authors of these figures were often thrilled to have this cover to display or save as a memento of their research. Additionally, it served to highlight the diversity of articles encompassed in each issue. At times, I selected an image from my own collection or from Karger's antique collection of anatomic images in print. Most often they were selected because of their relevance to an article in that issue. As all things