useful, and that it will stimulate further discussion about the diverse and fascinating disease, COPD. With this issue Tobias Welte says goodbye after 5 years as Editor in Chief of the ERS Monograph. It has been a wonderful time, during which the Monograph has continuously developed. I have learned a lot, gained a lot of friends and have always appreciated working with the ERS Publications Office. Many thanks to all who have supported me in the past. Robert Bals will take over the role of Editor in Chief from now on. Knowing him very well, I am convinced that he will be successful in improving the ERS Monograph further. Good luck Robert. viii