Honoring the Past, Pursuing the Future.

N ursing Research has led the way in scholarship for nursing practice and policy for 65 years. As the new Editor of Nursing Research, I know that now, more thanever, it is important to continue the traditionof publishing high-quality research reports, thoughtful commentaries, and insightful discussions of research methods and strategies. In preparing this editorial, I read a number of past editorials (I think all new editors must do this), including the first editorial written by Helen Bunge—the first chair of the Editorial Board—who laid forth the Nursing Research mission to improve nursing care, alleviate human suffering, and promote well-being (Bunge, 1952). This lofty mission has guided the journal well over the years and continues to provide direction for the range and scope of journal papers. I also read the last editorial of Lucille Notter—who was second of the Nursing Research six editors—in which she raised the need for clinical studies and greater “communication” between researchers and practitioners (Notter, 1973). Some things, it seems, do not really change; we continue to need high-quality clinical researchwith results communicated in a clear and timely manner in order to provide evidence for practice. We also need to continuously appraise changes in clinical practice and our understanding of human health and healthcare delivery in order to be surewe are addressing issues that are most critical to disciplinary knowledge and professional practice.Notter also noted that nursing researchneeded supportive and well-resourced research environments to develop nurse researchers for the future. Again, as in the past, nursing research continues to need financing supportive of its clinical focus and concerted professional and disciplinary sponsorship if nurse researchers are to continuemaking scientific advancements that improve health and humanwell-being. I also readwith interest the editorials of Elizabeth Carnegie, who I was privileged to know and whom I admired greatly, and those of Florence Downs, who was editor when I first published in Nursing Research and whose intellect and commitment to nursing were amazing. The editorials of Mickey Dougherty and SueHenlywere particularlymeaningful to read, given their contemporary aspects. In fact, our most recent editors have done much to ensure that Nursing Research continues as one of the most respected journals in nursing. I have read as well the many guest editorials written over the years. These editorial writers included many of nursing’s past and current leaders. The editorials addressed contemporary