Looking Ahead: A Vision for Annals of Minimal Access Surgery and Allied Sciences

The inaugural issue of Annals of Minimal Access Surgery and Allied Sciences (AMASAS) marks an exciting new chapter in the landscape of scientific publishing for the Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India (AMASI). As the founding editorial team, we are deeply honoured to take on the responsibility of shaping and nurturing this journal from its inception. We take this opportunity to thank the Executive of AMASI, especially the revered Patron, Prof. Palanivelu Chinnusamy, for reposing faith in us to initiate and consolidate this publication. This is both a privilege and a challenge, and we are committed to fostering a publication that becomes a beacon of innovation, integrity, and collaboration in the field of minimal-access surgery. Over the past few decades, this field has seen exponential growth, driven by groundbreaking advancements in technology and technique. The introduction of robotic surgery as an important component of minimal access surgery has revolutionized the practice, enabling unprecedented precision, reduced recovery times, and enhanced patient outcomes. As this transformative discipline continues to evolve, we aim to provide a platform that highlights the latest innovations, disseminates best practices, and fosters a global community of surgeons dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. As we lay the foundation, we envisage AMASAS to grow into a platform where researchers aspire to publish, readers eagerly anticipate new issues, and peer reviewers take pride in contributing their expertise. Our aim is to create a journal that is not only scientifically rigorous but also a delight to engage with, offering insights that resonate across academic and professional communities. In these early days, our primary focus is on upholding the highest standards of scientific inquiry and communication. Every submission will undergo a thorough review process that ensures the research we publish is ethically conducted and transparently reported. We owe our gratitude to our peer reviewers, whose meticulous and selfless efforts form the backbone of our editorial process. As roots support a growing tree, our reviewers’ contributions are critical yet often unseen. We understand that academic publishing can be daunting, particularly for early-career researchers and those from non-native English-speaking backgrounds. At AMASAS, we aim to provide constructive feedback to help authors refine their manuscripts, ensuring that robust research is not overshadowed by challenges in reporting. Our updated author guidelines emphasize clarity, precision, and ethical integrity, guiding contributors toward crafting impactful publications. All submissions will undergo plagiarism checks and stringent ethical scrutiny, as we remain vigilant against practices such as duplicate publication and multiple submissions. Our initial experience has already provided insights into the common challenges faced by authors. While the science behind many submissions is sound, there is often room for improvement in how findings are communicated. We encourage authors to aim for accuracy, brevity, and clarity. Flowery prose and unsupported claims have little place in scientific discourse. Instead, we seek coherent, concise, and compelling manuscripts, allowing the research to speak for itself. In addition to publishing high-quality research, we aspire to be more than just a repository of knowledge. We aim to foster a vibrant community of researchers, clinicians, and academicians who contribute to and benefit from the journal’s growth. As we embark on this exciting endeavour, we once again extend our sincere appreciation to the advisory board, editorial team, and all those who have supported the creation of AMASAS. We are indebted to our mentors and peers who have inspired us to take this step, and we pledge to uphold the trust they have placed in us. Our goal is to not only meet but exceed the expectations of our readers, authors, and the scientific community at large. We invite you to join us in this journey as contributors, reviewers, and readers. Together, let us strive to build a journal that reflects the best of scientific thought, fosters collaboration, and drives progress in the field of minimal-access surgery. Welcome to AMASAS. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.