We are beginning a new year with a new challenge: indexing the journal Adolescence & Health . In the first two years, our goal was to disseminate basic topics related to adolescence, demonstrating the importance of this age group, which should be treated in a differentiated manner, guided by its unique characteristics. In the third year, we promoted the journal among other specialties and sought partnerships that would allow us to strengthen and consolidate our growth.

In October 2006, the work carried out in conjunction with the pediatrics congress resulted not only in greater dissemination, but also gave rise to the idea of ​​making the journal a catalyst for the integration of various adolescent services. Based on this context, in November 2006, we held a meeting with representatives of the Pediatric Society of the State of Rio de Janeiro (SOPERJ) and the various adolescent services in Rio de Janeiro, where topics related to future goals and the form of participation and contribution of each sector were discussed.

Since this is an age group that uses several specialties, research specifically focused on adolescence is still in its infancy. We believe that raising awareness and encouraging scientific work will contribute not only to the greater dissemination of knowledge and experiences, allowing for better care and greater prevention, but will also allow for conceptual and behavioral changes in relation to adolescence that will have a positive and far-reaching impact on adulthood.

Our goal in the coming years is to position the journal as an instrument to encourage new researchers and make it a point of union and a hub for all professionals who work with this age group.

The beginning of a career is always difficult and sometimes discouraging, especially in the scientific field in our country, where in most situations we do not have ideal working conditions, which forces us to use true magic to deal with setbacks, pulling innovative solutions out of our hat of perseverance and stubbornness. Unity, interaction and exchange are extremely valuable weapons. The first step in this direction has already been taken, and we hope that this idea spreads and encompasses other sectors and other regions.

Indexing a journal involves several stages, but two are fundamental: the contribution and participation of everyone: readers, researchers, professors, students, sponsors, editors, reviewers, societies, departments. In short, colleagues.

Once again, I invite everyone to participate in this new stage of our journal.