I write to introduce myself as the new Editor-in-Chief of Iranian Studies, having begun my appointment in January of this year. I am honored to have been given this responsibility and thank the Selection Committee and the Council of the Association of Iranian Studies for their confidence. I am deeply grateful to my predecessor, Professor Ali Gheissari, for his guidance during the transition period. The Journal has thrived under his leadership and with the excellent editorial team that he has assembled. I assume this new position with the benefit of their support and expertise.

In his last editorial note Ali Gheissari chronicled some of the achievements of our Journal. They provide a strong foundation upon which to build in the years ahead. Maintaining a high scholarly standard will always be paramount. In advancing this goal we will be seeking out and encouraging excellent submissions from a wide and diverse group of scholars.

We can and should encourage further geographical diversity among our contributors by providing new opportunities and resources to those beyond the United States and Europe. We should also attempt to expand the multi-disciplinarity of the Journal with contributions from underrepresented fields, particularly among the social sciences. Providing support and opportunities for the participation of talented, younger scholars is yet another step in the right direction. A balanced gender presence at all levels is important for the Journal to be truly inclusive.

Realization of these objectives depends on the talent and dedication of many people who give life to the Journal, in particular the Editorial Board and the Advisory Council. I also appeal to all the members of the Association of Iranian Studies to support the Journal by submitting their best work and by encouraging their colleagues to do the same. Together with the support of the AIS leadership and particularly of its new president, Naghmeh Sohrabi, I am confident in the future of the Journal.