In the ever-evolving realm of scientific communication, Signals+ has been a beacon for the International Cytokine & Interferon Society (ICIS) community since its inception in 1994. Founded by the esteemed Howard Young, the newsletter has been a source of insightful news, history and updates of cytokine discoveries, and even culinary delights to nourish the minds in laboratories worldwide. Last October, Signals+ underwent a significant transformation, transitioning to a semi-monthly publication under Howard’s guidance. Now, as Howard steps down, we are thrilled to introduce the new Co-Editors-in-Chief, Dr. Di Yu and Dr. Daniella M. Schwartz.
Both Di and Daniella have been integral members of the editorial board for several years, demonstrating their commitment to the ICIS community and their love for the written word. Dr. Di Yu, the Chair in Paediatric Immunotherapy and Director of the Ian Frazer Centre of Children’s Immunotherapy Research at the University of Queensland, brings a wealth of expertise from Australia. Meanwhile, Dr. Daniella M. Schwartz, Assistant Professor in the Departments of Medicine and Immunology at the University of Pittsburgh in the USA, serves as the co-director of the Autoinflammatory Center of Excellence and the Director of Research for the Immunogenetics Discovery Center.
In a recent statement, Di expressed his admiration for Signals+: “What I love about Signals+ is its ability to link researchers and practitioners, nurturing a global scientific community focused on cytokine and interferon research. It not only connects these professionals but also provides a vibrant platform for sharing knowledge and the personal stories behind scientific breakthroughs “ Daniella echoed these sentiments, stating, “Signals+ is a wonderful mix of scientific updates, member highlights, and meeting info. Howard did an amazing job of building it as a resource for the cytokine community; Di and I will have some big shoes to fill.”.
The new Co-Editors-in-Chief will be supported by a diverse and accomplished editorial board, including Dr. Maialen Sebastian-de la Cruz (University of the Basque Country, Spain), Dr. Marta Catalfamo (Georgetown University, USA), Dr. Mohamed Saad (University of Adelaide, Australia), Dr. Saurabh Chattopadhyay (University of Kentucky, USA), Dr. Supreet Agarwal (National Cancer Institute, USA), Dr. Zhian Chen (University of Queensland, Australia), and the ICIS Co-Managing Directors Stephanie Flores and Joan Oefner.
Members can anticipate exciting developments in Signals+ under this fresh leadership. The editorial board has plans for new features in the coming months, aiming to captivate readers with innovative content. The focus will remain on showcasing the achievements and publications of ICIS members across the globe, fostering a sense of unity in the scientific community.
Dr. Di Yu and Dr. Daniella M. Schwartz invite members to actively participate in this endeavor. If you have a career or research milestone to share, or if you would like to contribute an article of interest to the ICIS membership, they encourage you to reach out to them at Editors@cytokinesociety.org.
As we bid farewell to Howard Young’s remarkable stewardship, we welcome a new era with Dr. Di Yu and Dr. Daniella M. Schwartz at the helm of Signals+. Together, let us continue to explore the exciting frontiers of cytokine and interferon research, united by the pages of Signals+.