We are pleased to announce that Prof. Dr. Bill J. Baker has been appointed Editor-in-Chief of Marine Drugs (ISSN: 1660-3397). Under Prof. Dr. Baker’s stewardship, Marine Drugs will continue to provide the best editorial services and contribute to the development of the marine drugs community.

Prof. Dr. Baker earned his Ph.D. studying with the renowned Prof. Paul Scheuer at the University of Hawaii, where he learned the fundamentals of the chemical analysis of marine organisms. He broadened his natural products skills by studying biosynthetic analysis with Prof. Ron Parry at the Rice University and Prof. Carl Djerassi at the Stanford University before establishing his own research program in Florida. He currently maintains a laboratory at the University of South Florida that focuses on chemical ecology, drug discovery and biosynthesis. For the last 30 years, he has applied these interests to studies of marine invertebrates and algae from Antarctica, and for nearly 10 years, he has conducted similar studies of deep-sea invertebrates from the Irish continental margin. Prof. Dr. Baker has published more than 180 peer reviewed manuscripts and has been awarded over a dozen patents. His research is highly collaborative, involving colleagues with expertise in field work, ecology, systematics, pharmacology, biochemistry, microbiology and molecular biology, among others. An international cohort of more than 60 graduate students, postdocs and visiting scientists from two dozen countries have worked in his lab. He has edited two books on the topic of marine chemistry. Prof. Dr. Baker derives considerable satisfaction from field work and solving new structures.

The following is a short Q&A with Prof. Dr. Bill J. Baker, who shared his vision for the journal with us, as well as his views of the research area and Open Access publishing:

1. What is your vision for the journal?

Marine Drugs has rapidly advanced as a leading outlet for cutting-edge chemistry, ecology, pharmacology and related contemporary areas of marine research. To reach its pinnacle, the journal will continue to attract innovative and significant work through engagement with the community, including the publication of topical Special Issues, exchanges at professional meetings and empowering a diverse and committed Editorial Board.

2. What does the future of this field of research look like?

The multifaceted science comprising the marine drugs community is poised for continued discovery and development. Advances in omics techniques, the broader availability of samples and the recruitment of younger researchers with new ideas and new approaches promise innovative new research in the future.

3. What do you think of the development of Open Access literature in the publishing field?

I see Open Access (OA) literature as the future of scientific publishing. The old model of institutions supporting expensive publishing packages resulted in significant restriction of scientific research to those with access. That resulted in limited diversity and breadth of research. Widespread acceptance of OA literature by funding organizations and institutions has the potential to produce a renaissance in research as the global community gains advantage from the increased dissemination of their work.

4. Do you have any suggestions for young researchers in this field?

This is such a great time to be entering scientific research. With a large number of global issues that science can contribute to, advances in technology and instrumentation you can use to solve global issues and so much public interest in scientific solutions, the opportunities for achievement are myriad. With smart work habits and a sharp focus, young scientists today can look forward to rewarding careers.

We warmly welcome our new Editor-in-Chief and wish the journal every success in the future.