After more than eight years of service as Co-Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Carolyn Schwartz is rotating off the editorial board of Quality of Life Research. During her extended term, the journal has seen a tremendous growth in popularity. Since 2009, when she began as Co-Editor-in-Chief, together with Dennis Revicki (who rotated off in 2015), the number of manuscripts submitted for publication has doubled, from 663 in 2009 to 1340 in 2016.

Figure 1 shows the numbers of submitted, rejected, and accepted manuscripts, from 2004 through 2016. We notice that the numbers of submitted and rejected manuscripts increased, whereas the numbers of manuscripts that are accepted for publication remained more stable. Under Carolyn’s editorship, we have become more selective; acceptance rates have decreased from 36 to 20%.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Numbers of manuscripts under consideration by Quality of Life Research, 2004–2016

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Growing popularity and increased selectivity bear witness of Carolyn’s diligence to the journal. With all her experience and expertise, she shifts a lot of work, very quickly, very decisively. As a result, the Quality of Life Research journal bears the stamp of her personality.

Still, although Carolyn’s efforts will be missed dearly, we believe to have found a great successor with Dr. Jan Böhnke. We want to welcome Jan to the editorial board and look forward to working with him on the successful continuation our journal. On behalf of all members of the Quality of Life Research editorial board, I want to thank Carolyn for her efforts for the journal, and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Frans Oort, Co-Editor-in-Chief