Editorial

Dear Colleagues,

this year 2012 is finishing and it is likely that most of the problem associated with the global economical crisis will be bequeath to the incoming 2013. The crisis is impacting many countries and many productive sectors. Big pharma and SME biotech are not an exception, and they are still finding new organisational set-ups and new market opportunities. Scientific excellence, risk propensity and open innovation will be among the keys to the success of the recovery. In this issue's Perspective, Sarah Skerratt and Ian Storer discuss on this topic, bringing up many thoughtful cues. Please remember that Perspective articles, as well as any other topic, is open to public discussion through the EFMC Linked In page.

As one of the major stakeholder in the area, EFMC is also reacting to the changing scenario by finding new set-ups, in order to more efficiently cope with the needs of the member societies and of the community of medicinal chemists. Year 2012 has seen the 22nd ISMC, in Berlin, as the main event, which has witnessed a high scientific vivacity, but also the quest for an active participation especially from the younger colleagues. Next February, the EC of the EFMC will organize a workshop on the future of EFMC in the changing field of medicinal chemistry, gathering together EC and Committee and Council members, as well as young researchers who attended the dedicated events in Berlin. Our hope is that a new organisational set-up will come up from the workshop, with the aim of linking more and more the EFMC activity to the community needs. MedChemWatch and the EFMC web site (www.efmc.info) will be the channels where the news will be communicated.

By now, I have the pleasure, also on behalf of the Executive Committee and of its President, to whish you a happy, healthy and productive New Year!

Gabriele Costantino
Editor