From May 2008, I succeeded Professor Maubois as the Editor-in-Chief of Dairy Science & Technology. It has been a real challenge. Now, I think, would be a good time to assess how the journal has been functioning over the past two years.

The aims and scope of Dairy Science & Technology have remained unchanged. The journal covers fundamental and applied research on the microbiology, biochemistry, and physicochemical properties of milk and dairy products, the effect of processing on the functional and nutritional quality of dairy products. During 2008–2009, in particular, one fourth of the papers have been published on the topics of human health and food safety, such as CLA and other fatty acids, bioactive peptides, probiotics, and protective cultures.

Four special issues have been dedicated to International Symposia: the 5th IDF Symposium on Cheese Ripening in April 2008, the 1st International Symposium on Minerals and Dairy Products in October 2008, the 4th International Symposium on Spray Drying of Milk Products, and the IDF Dairy Science Technology Week in April 2009. These submissions generated a large amount of work which had to be managed through the reviewing process within a reasonable time frame. As you may be aware, DST has evolved toward the electronic submission of papers (http://www.editorialmanager.com/dst/). This allows easier access to manuscripts by authors, reviewers and members of the Editorial Board, and will lead to a smoother reviewing process.

“Highlighted papers” have been selected to encourage the authors to submit reviews or original research to Dairy Science & Technology. These papers are available without charge as soon as they are published on the journal website. A brief introduction to familiarize the reader on the context as well as the implications of the work is also available. Hence, over the past two years, seven papers have so far been selected (see http://www.dairy-journal.org/).

I would like to gratefully acknowledge all the scientists involved in the reviewing process for their time and professionalism. During 2008–2009, 15 new members have joined the Editorial Board. Further changes are planned for 2010 to promote Associate Editors with specific expertise covering the different areas in the field of dairy science and technology.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and fruitful New Year.

© INRA, EDP Sciences, 2010