Ronald van Balen writes:

This is my last editorial. The time has come for a fresh new editor-in-chief. I have had an enjoyable time in this post. The first years were very intense, with the changes of finances, publisher and workflow. But now the journal is in a steady state. During my four-year term I learned much about the emotions invested in papers by their authors. Scientific publishing is supposed to be a rational undertaking: manuscripts describe observations, results and implications, and are reviewed in an objective way. However, emotions are involved because scientific works are also products of dedicated people. Positive emotions, like letters or comments from authors or guest editors expressing their happiness at seeing their work published, have always been very welcome. Negative emotions have, however, been more abundant. Examples are letters from authors feeling aggrieved that their paper was rejected, and, occasionally, the struggles of guest editors to get their special issue out on time and at the right scientific level. Let everybody be reminded that the journal is run by volunteers (authors, editors, reviewers), and we all want the best possible content for our journal.

I thank the guest editors, associate editors, editorial assistants, authors and the Netherlands Journal of Geosciences Foundation (SNJG) for their contributions and support during the past years. However, this is no goodbye, as I will take up a position as associate editor once more.

Johan ten Veen writes:

It is with great enthusiasm that I succeed Ronald van Balen as NJG editor-in-chief. Luckily, Ronald is not completely stepping down; I am very thankful that he will continue working for NJG as associate editor. In my new position, I will certainly need his advice and guidance. Before I accepted this position, Ronald and I had several long talks that fired my enthusiasm, but also made me aware of the responsibility we have toward authors and readers of the journal. Fortunately, I take over at a time when the journal is well received, has a good scientific level and scope and is very adequately handled by Cambridge University Press. I therefore intend to follow the road paved by my predecessors and keep up the good work. I look forward to working with the associate editors, editorial assistant and SNJG, and anticipate a warm relationship with contributing authors and guest editors.