The journal impact factors for 2000 have recently been released and the good news for Thorax is that it has again increased its impact factor from 3.44 in 19991 to 3.98, and it has narrowed the gap considerably on its main two competitors—the American Thoracic Society publications. The position of Thorax in terms of impact factor relative to other selected specialist journals of similar complementary interests is shown in table 1. What is the reason for this further improvement? We think that it is due to a number of factors. Our fast review process2 and rapid publication undoubtedly helps, but the most important factor is the quality of the contributions that we receive from you, the contributors. We have been very fortunate to receive a number of excellent original papers for the last two years. In addition, we have benefited from having several authoritative guidelines in the journal,3 a number of excellent review series,4-7 good contributions from symposia,8 and the well receivedYear in Review publication.9 eThorax may also have contributed.10

We hope that the journal can continue to go from strength to strength, but it can only do so by continuing to receive high quality papers. We thank all the Associate Editors, Editorial Board, Technical Editor, and Editorial Assistants and referees for their efforts and hope that you the readers and contributors will continue to think ofThorax for your best work. Perhaps the drivers of the two American Thoracic Society publications will not be looking in their rear view mirrors to seeThorax for much longer!