In the last few years Anales de Pediatría has consolidated its status as the most influential paediatric scientific journal published in Spanish. A particularly important point is the increase in its impact factor (IF) in 2016 to 1.140, the highest value it has ever achieved; this, together with other bibliometric data indicated in the previous editorial,1 places Anales in a position of which we, as members of the Spanish Association of Paediatrics (AEP), can feel proud of. These successes are the result of the intelligent strategies and constant efforts of previous editorial committees. Among the most significant highlights are the inclusion of the journal in the Science Citation Index-Journal Citation Reports (SCI-JCR) list2 and the sustained growth in its IF, culminating in the figure mentioned above.1 This new editorial committee would like to begin its tenure by expressing its appreciation and gratitude for the work of its predecessors, particularly the outgoing committee led by Empar Lurbe, which have brought Anales de Pediatría to the most successful point in its history.

Four years ago, Empar and her team analysed the journal's situation, setting out the threats and opportunities facing it at that time.3 Now, as a result of their work, the threats have diminished, the journal's international presence has clearly increased and it has moved up to the third quartile. The two key factors behind these achievements are bilingual publication and the change in the editorial rules, and the new team of editors will maintain both these elements as an indispensable basis for consolidating the project. Moreover, the opportunities have been boosted by the long-term support of a publishing group of proven strength.

Bearing in mind that our main objective will be to reinforce the progress achieved, we felt it was appropriate for two editors from the outgoing committee to remain on the new team, bringing their experience to guarantee the continuity of the project. It is the first time in the history of Anales that this has happened; we think it may be a good policy, making it much easier to achieve a smooth editorial changeover, with the added benefit of ensuring that the journal suffers no interruptions on its upward path.

Another of the strengths we have acquired is prompt processing of the manuscripts we receive.4 To maintain these rapid processing times, peer reviewers have a crucial part to play. We must not forget the gradual decrease in the percentage of original articles accepted for publication in Anales, a consequence of the rise in the scientific standard of submissions. We are confident of maintaining or even increasing the input of high-quality manuscripts, obliging editors and evaluators to carry out their work precisely and in a well-structured manner. We are aware that this task is not always properly recognised and we intend to look for ways of making reviewers, who are vital to the development of Anales, feel that their collaboration is valued. To achieve this, we ought to consider giving prominence at the AEP National Conference5 to the reviewers who have made the largest number of contributions, just as awards are presented at that Conference to the authors of the most significant articles.

A new objective will be to try to improve aspects of the Anales website related to visibility, as well as making use of the opportunities offered by new technologies, exploring the possibility of new content through images and sound. The rise of the multimedia format, as opposed to traditional ink on paper, seems unstoppable, and Anales should gradually adapt to these new technologies.

As well as the two who are remaining, three new editors are joining the committee to try to broaden the journal's scientific and professional perspective. The intention is to reflect the diversity represented in the AEP in terms of the range of paediatric specialities. A point we consider particularly significant is the presence of a primary care paediatrician to reinforce the position of this field in the journal's editorial orientation.

The new Editorial Committee has a great responsibility, bearing in mind that the official journal of the AEP is being entrusted to us at a high point in its history. Anales can now take its place unapologetically alongside other European paediatric journals.1 The next few years will determine how this position develops, and our intention is to consolidate it and continue making progress. This encourages us to look forward, seeking to follow the example of other publications of high scientific and social impact. And it obliges us, with the invaluable help of the rest of the Editorial Board and the reviewers, to be precise in selecting the best research studies submitted to the journal, with the aim of ensuring that new knowledge has a positive impact on paediatric patients and on society.

Finally, we would like to emphasise that from the moment we embarked on this new phase we have felt supported by the Executive Committee of the AEP. We value that support and are grateful for it, as it strengthens our independence in making decisions with the common aim of achieving the maximum benefit for our journal.