New directions in microbiomes

The field of gastroenterology and hepatology is experiencing a tremendous explosion of scientific knowledge and translational advances. It is a privilege to work in this field and to nurture the next generation of researchers and clinicians who will answer many critical questions and lessen the burden of digestive disease globally. Gastroenterology and hepatology are a rapidly growing field with many opportunities for research and clinical practice.

The field is at the forefront of understanding the gut-brain axis and the role of the microbiome in human health. Gastroenterologists and hepatologists are involved in diagnosing and treating a wide range of digestive diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and pancreatic cancer. The field is committed to improving the lives of patients with digestive diseases and to finding cures for these diseases.

Professor Emad El-Omar from the University of New South Wales wrote an editorial welcoming eGastroenterology to the world of science communication and scientific research, as well as join BMJ Journals family.

“The new journal, eGastroenterology, has been launched to accelerate research in gastroenterology and hepatology,” said El-Omar. “It seeks to benefit patients globally through communicating the best science and clinical practices. By focusing on the application of real-world data, it will provide high-level evidence and guide clinical practice.”

eGastroenterology will welcome observational studies, randomized controlled trials, genetic association studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

“Scientific publishing is a great privilege and a major responsibility,” said El-Omar. “Journals and their editorial teams must ensure they publish work of the highest scientific integrity and quality.”

The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that achieving very rapid progress in a field is possible. Enos added that we should apply the same principles for all of humanity’s challenges, including cures for cancer, antimicrobial resistance, obesity, and metabolic diseases.

In his editorial, El-Omar looked at the microbiome field, as he believes it offers enormous opportunities for making a difference in the world's health. He bases this thinking on the scientific advances that continue unabated every day. In his opinion, the microbiome is the missing ingredient that likes a range of pathways.

With the advent of artificial intelligence and machine learning growing in influence, El-Omar believes that the translational pathway for the microbiome provides enormous potential. He looks forward to seeing more advances being published in eGastroenterology.

About the eGastronterology

eGastroenterology is a new, open-access, and open peer-reviewed BMJ Journal, which focuses on basic, clinical, translational, and evidence-based medicine research in all areas of gastroenterology (including hepatology, pancreatology, esophagology, and gastrointestinal surgery).

For more information, please visit: egastroenterology.bmj.com and follow us on Twitter (@eGastro_BMJ).