Dear Spinal Cord Reader,

It is with quite some pride that I see the 50th anniversary of Spinal Cord coming up soon. Next year several initiatives have been taken to celebrate this event in the Publication World. Before we arrive there, the New Year 2011–2012 celebrations will be upon us and we, at the editorial office in Antwerp Belgium, wish every happiness to you all and for those you care for.

Times are not easy and a major shift seems to be happening throughout the world politically, financially, economically and socially. No one seems to know where we are heading and what is behind the next corner. It is important in these times to try and stick to fundamental goals and values, even if they have to be adapted to new situations. To take optimal care of spinal cord injured individuals worldwide in the best possible way so that they live a full and long life, is one such major task. ISCOS is an important player in that field and its tools are well-known: worldwide networking, strong communication, high standards and scientifically based knowledge and an overall friendship which is open for mutual help, advice and support.

Can I invite you to have a look at both the journal and society webpages at www.nature.com/sc and www.iscos.org.uk. The Journal goal is clear: The official journal of the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS), Spinal Cord is a multi-disciplinary forum covering the whole-system of spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord includes basic science, clinical and applied studies, the psychology and epidemiology of spinal injury and disease from around the world, and is essential reading for everyone involved in the research and management of these conditions.

We are happy that for half a century Spinal Cord has lived up to this aim and has worked as the worldwide forum for spinal cord medicine. Many have to be thanked for this, not in the least all contributors and reviewers. In this last issue of 2011 we again have quite an impressive list of very interesting and good studies!

An initiative that we want to draw attention to again is The Spinal Cord Prize. The purpose of this prize, which is awarded every two years, is to encourage younger members of the Society (under 39 years) to submit well presented papers on original work for publication in Spinal Cord and for submission at the Annual Scientific Meeting. The Prize consists of an engraved medal, a cheque for £500 from the Publishers of Spinal Cord and up to £500 expenses towards attendance at the Annual Scientific Meeting with free registration from the Society. If you or a member of your Team is 39 years old or under at the time of submitting a manuscript to the Journal and wish to be considered for the Prize, then please mark this clearly on your letter of submission. The entries will be judged by a Panel consisting of the Editor of the Journal, the Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the Society and a representative of the Publishers. The next closing date for the Spinal Cord Prize is 11 May 2012. I hope that some of you will take this opportunity and be a candidate.

Best wishes for the Season and we will be back with 50th Anniversary News in the first 2012 issue!