Reflecting on our journey and looking ahead—A modest note from the editor

Abstract

The launch of Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Reports (Bioorg. Med. Chem. Rep.) in 2018 was not simply about a new journal. We are hoping to build a thoughtful platform to promote interdisciplinary thinking in medicinal chemistry and to enable us to understand biological processes at the molecular level. Looking back nine years later, I am pleased to see that this vision has gradually taken shape thanks to the creativity of our authors, the constructive feedback of our reviewers and the steadfast commitment of the editorial team to scientific integrity. We know we’ve got a way to go, and we haven’t achieved all our ambitions yet—but every step forward counts.So far, we have received a modest number of submissions and published 30 articles. This volume is not yet what we would wish, but we are proud of the quality and originality of the work we have published. In the subsequent year, we realistically hope to increase our publication rate to 4 articles per issue, without losing scientific rigor.Medicinal chemistry has undergone dramatic changes over the past nine years. Artificial intelligence has gone beyond its status as a mere tool to become an active partner in discovery, from the exploration of chemical space to the design of highly selective molecules. Targeted protein degradation (PROTACs, molecular glues) has surpassed classical inhibition paradigms. RNA as a therapeutic target, antibody-drug conjugates, and cell-based therapies are driving a broader paradigm beyond the small-molecule-focused perspective.This change is not only technological but also conceptual. The question is moving from “which molecule binds to the target?” to “which intervention reprograms the biological system in a predictable and sustainable manner?” This shift makes medicinal chemistry more integrative, more computational and more biology driven.At Bioorg. Med. Chem. Rep., we tried to be not only an observer but also a space where this change can take shape. Our published science spans synthetic methodology, SAR, covalent chemistry, macrocycle design and early computational hit discovery. Depth matters more than breadth for us. We invite submissions that do more than just collect data, submissions that advance understanding, challenge the status quo and open new directions.At this point, I want to be honest: scientific publishing is entering an era of rapid growth in article numbers, but meaningful insights can sometimes be lost. At Bioorg. Med. Chem. Rep., we consciously choose a different path. While we hope to gradually increase our volume, our priority remains to select and highlight work that makes a lasting scientific contribution. For the future, we believe science will be built in depth rather than volume, and on accuracy rather than speed.In the next nine years,medicinal chemistry will change evenmore dramatically. AI-driven autonomous discovery systems and closed-loop experimental platforms will blur the lines between hypothesis generation and testing, making drug discovery more predictable and efficient. RNA-targeting small molecules will enable direct manipulation of genetic information, and multi-functional therapeutic platforms will gradually complement single-target approaches. At the same time, sustainability and open science will become not just ethical choices but necessities for progress.The role of scientific journals needs redefinition in this era. Journals are no longer just repositories of results; they are active participants in asking the right questions, setting standards, and encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration. As Bioorg. Med. Chem. Rep., we will continue to support work that combines mechanistic depth with translational impact, with an emphasis on solving real-world problems in drug discovery.I would like to thank all our stakeholders, from the bottom of my heart. The journal’s scientific identity has been shaped by bold and original work of our authors, thorough reviews by our referees and continual interest of our readers.For the future we need new ways of thinking, not just new molecules. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Rep. will continue to be dedicated to quality over quantity, rigor over speed and lasting scientific value over short term impact.I look forward to seeing how our field evolves in the years to come—together with all of you.