New journal to focus on autoimmune disease research and development

Springer is launching a new journal Autoimmunity Highlights, an independent, international, peer-reviewed journal that publishes papers related to the diverse aspects of autoimmunity, and seeks to be a bridge between the clinic, the laboratory and the specialists who are involved in the complex world of autoimmunity diagnosis. The journal focuses on pathogenesis, immunology, genetics, molecular biology, diagnostic auto-antibody tests, epidemiology, pathophysiology and the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Included are original articles, short communications, case reports, letters to the editor, congress news as well as reviews, editorials and new, innovative techniques of importance in the field. The journal is published with an unconditional grant from A. Menarini Diagnostics and appears twice a year; the first issue has been published in May 2010.

In addition to the print version, the journal will be published on Springer's online platform SpringerLink. Content will be freely accessible online for the first year of publication. The journal will also include Online First-, Cross Reference Linking and Alert services. Editor-in-Chief is Dr. Nicola Bizzaro, Head and Medical Director of the Laboratory of Clinical Pathology at Gemona del Friuli and Tolmezzo Hospitals in Italy.

Springer Executive Editor of Medicine Journals in Italy, Carlotta d'Imporzano, said, "Autoimmune diseases can affect any part of the body, and have clinical manifestations that make diagnosis an extremely difficult task. Because this discipline is rapidly growing in relevance, this is the perfect time for the launch of the new journal Autoimmunity Highlights."

Massimo Donnini of Menarini Diagnostics said, "We welcome the new journal Autoimmunty Highlights that represents the culmination of years of commitment to scientific information. It aims to become the voice of scientists in this field and a forum for international debate; to this end we are supporting its publication with an unrestricted grant with no editorial control in order to offer an unbiased international forum to those who dedicate their lives to the study of autoimmunity.

We welcome the alliance with Springer, one of the world's largest and most respected publishers in science and medicine, and look forward to a productive association."

Source: Springer