New paths for PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases: Continuing a tradition of innovation and commitment to the poor

In 2017, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases marked its 10th anniversary. As highlighted during a celebratory anniversary event held at the World Health Organization in Geneva, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases was founded to coincide with the shaping and creation of the modern framework of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) [1–3]. It was intended to give the first open access voice to a community of scientists and public health experts working hard to control and eliminate NTDs in the world’s poorest countries and areas, as well as to those designing and conducting experiments to gain fundamental insights into the pathogenesis of NTDs and the development of new drugs, vaccines, diagnostics, and biocides. We also tried to champion the voice of those asking tough and daunting social science and policy questions about the NTDs. Some of our “big-picture” metrics and achievements were highlighted previously [3]. They include our editorial board, which is highly represented (40%) by editors from diseaseendemic countries, and almost 5,000 published papers with at least one-quarter of the authors each hailing from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, respectively [3]. Our papers are highly cited with article-specific metrics, indicating that many of our papers have been viewed by tens of thousands of individuals and 1 paper more than 200,000 times [3]. We’re also able to follow how PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases articles are tracked on social media and highlighted in the world’s most widely circulating newspapers. Many of our papers have influenced the global policy makers from both disease-endemic nations and donor countries as well as WHO and other major international health agencies. Overall, our journal has raised awareness about the NTDs and played an important role in promoting access to NTD medicines and treatments as well as access to innovation by supporting research and development on these diseases. It has been a great honor for me to help lead efforts that launched the founding of PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, and together with my friend and colleague Professor Serap Aksoy, to guide the journal through its first decade. There is no question that PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases has been one of my greatest passions, and it’s been a fulfilling experience serving as Co-Editor-in-Chief (EIC). Like with any important journal, I also think it’s wise to refresh and look to new leaders who can shepherd PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases through its next journey. Beginning in January 2018, I will transition away from day-to-day journal management in order to serve as the founding EIC. In that role, I hope to continue contributing editorials and viewpoints for PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, providing overall guidance for future directions, and representing our journal at future summits and meetings when asked to do so. I also hope to continue submitting research articles on our NTD vaccine development program.