Natural products scientists do not work in isolation. They write papers, they read
publications of fellow scientists in their field of research, and they meet other
researchers at conferences all over the world. In this process, some distinguished
individuals play a special and outstanding role – they become Editor-in-Chief of a
scientific journal. In this role, they guide authors through the publication process
and establish a collaborative relationship with authors to help them improve the quality
of their work. The ability to make an objective and fair assessment of a manuscript
is important in that context. An Editor-in-Chief of a journal needs to be a good leader
and communicator so that he can clearly inform authors of their decisions and ensure
that the lines of communication with the rest of the editorial team and the publisher
are clear.
All these requirements can only be accomplished through a combination of rare talents:
unusually broad scientific interests and knowledge, unfailing intuition for good manuscripts,
strong leadership skills, and a certain kind of charisma that brings people together.
All of this is present in Prof. Dr. Adolf Nahrstedt to whom this Special Issue is
dedicated on the occasion of his 75th birthday on August 9th this year.
Professor Nahrstedt has been associated with Planta Medica, the official journal of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Products Research
(GA) for more than 30 years, first as Co-Editor (1983–1992), later as Editor-in-Chief
(EiC) (1993–2004), and Senior Editor (2005 – present). During his tenure as EiC Professor
Nahrstedt developed Planta Medica from an Europe-centered specialist journal to a truly international and highly regarded
interdisciplinary forum for Pharmaceutical Biologists and other scientists interested
in the multifaceted field of natural products.
This success would not have been possible without an extraordinary personal dedication
to the journal, hard work, and countless hours on weekends spent in his office. He
brought extreme attention to every single manuscript. His marks and comments penciled
in virtually all submitted papers to be further distributed to co-editors and reviewers
were witness of his thoroughness, and of his desire to assist scientists from all
over the world to improve their manuscripts. Despite his unfailing quest for quality
Prof. Nahrstedt was always extremely fair and supportive to authors, and this is probably
the reason for his unbroken popularity among natural products researchers worldwide.
He attained the status of a “rock star”; over the last decade for his enormous contribution
to Planta Medica, and his always superior relations to authors and readers worldwide.
For those who have had the privilege to know him more personally he remains the very
much appreciated, sensitive and interested listener who exudes natural human warmth
and cherishes faithful and enduring friendship.
This Special Issue contains 31 contributions from leading natural products scientists,
former collaborators and friends of Prof. Nahrstedt from all over the world. These
articles are dedicated to Prof. Nahrstedtʼs distinguished career, excellent leadership
and charming personality, and they cover high-impact areas and new directions in natural
products research. We extend our thanks to all these distinguished authors for joining
this celebration.
GA and the members of the Editorial Board of Planta Medica cordially congratulate Prof. Nahrstedt. They wish him a wonderful 75th birthday,
continued scientific activity, happiness, health, and further creative achievements
for the years to come!
Veronika Butterweck and Matthias Hamburger
