There has been a long struggle to provide the world class journal for emergency medicine not based in North America. Pioneering work by Tony Redmond, Mark Prescott and others led to the production of Archives of Emergency Medicine and the beginnings of a true scientific publication. However, much work remained to be done. It was therefore fortunate that someone of the calibre of John Heyworth volunteered to become the editor in 1995. Major changes occurred, including the title and the publishers. As a result the JAEM is becoming increasingly successful. This success is a reflection of John's hard work and dedication. His contribution requires acknowledgement and thanks from the specialty.

Thank you John!

Nevertheless significant future uncertainties remain:

• The best research in emergency medicine is …