In partnership with Institute of Physics Publishing (IOPP), Metrologia embarks on a new phase of its development with the publication of volume 40. This first issue publishes the proceedings of the NEWRAD 2002 conference. In the past, NEWRAD special issues have typically taken of the order of fifteen months or so from the time of the meeting to appear in print. The fact that in this case the time to publication is less than nine months is testimony to one of the many advantages that IOPP can bring to the publication of the journal, and in the future even shorter times are envisaged.

Readers will notice that the composition of the Editorial Board has changed. I should like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing members of the Board for the valuable input they have provided over the years, generously contributing their time and expertise for the advancement of the journal. At the same time I extend a welcome to the new members, confident in the expectation that they will use their wide knowledge and experience to ensure that the high standards of Metrologia are maintained.