After ten years as editor of ChemComm, Dr Sarah Thomas is moving on to an exciting new position at the RSC. Here is a look back on some of the many changes that have taken place during her tenure as Editor. 

High impact 

ChemComm in 2009 looks very different to ChemComm in 1999. There has been a 75% increase in submissions and a 42% increase in the number of papers accepted for publication. The number of feature articles published has also increased, from 24 in 1998 to 81 in 2008. ChemComm's impact factor has also grown by 57% between 1999 and 2009 - a great result, reflecting the very high quality of the work published in the journal. 

High visibility 

ChemComm now also offers authors many opportunities to have their work profiled including in the supplement publications, Highlights in Chemical Science, Highlights in Chemical Technology and Highlights in Chemical Biology, in Chemistry World magazine, on the web site in the 'Hot Papers' or 'Meet our Authors' section or by having their work featured on the covers of the journal. Recent years have seen a wealth of eye-catching cover artwork featured in ChemComm. 

Preliminary accounts 

The look and feel of ChemComm has transformed dramatically over the years, but one essential feature has remained constant - that the journal serves as a forum for preliminary accounts of significant work of general appeal or of specialist interest. Coupled with the extremely fast times to publication and free colour there has never been a better time to publish your best work in ChemComm. 

Team effort 

'My time has been made so enjoyable by the many authors, readers and reviewers who have contributed to ChemComm as well as the many members of the Editorial Boards of ChemComm who, with their enthusiasm and commitment, have made a significant contribution to developing ChemComm into the extremely successful journal it is today.' comments Thomas. 

'In particular I thank the four excellent Chairmen of the ChemComm Editorial Board whom I have worked with: Professors Malcolm Green, Andrew Holmes, Roeland Nolte and the current Chairman, Professor Peter Kündig.' 

Thomas continues, 'Finally I thank the many colleagues I have worked with at the RSC over the years, again without their dedication and commitment ChemComm would not be the success it is. As I leave ChemComm I am confident that under the new editor, Dr Robert Eagling, it will continue to grow and develop and be at the forefront of publishing the best of chemical research.'