Editorial

Abstract

Our editorial board and publishers are delighted with the rapid rise of research interest engendered by the Journal of the Royal Society Interface from its 2004 inception. Burgeoning submissions are accompanied by a broadening range of published research that draws on physical disciplines set to decipher the complexities of natural history. To celebrate our 10th-year, we have introduced a new feature to the J. R. Soc. Interface: 'Headline Reviews'. Published as a regular part of the journal, Headline Reviews are written by preeminent researchers invited to focus attention on the most recent activities in their areas of expertise. Furthermore, to gain perspective on the topic, both in the breadth and range of opinion, several leading authors will contribute Headline Reviews on different aspects of the same field. Consequently, a number of related reviews will appear serially over several journal issues, and once a collection is completed it is will be possible to access them as a whole via the journal's website. The inaugural Headline Review, which follows this Editorial, is by Prof. James Barber FRS and Dr Phong D. Tran, entitled 'From Natural to Artificial Photosynthesis'. One method to tackle the ever-increasing demand for energy, without producing extraneous CO 2 emissions, is through solar power. However, challenges still remain as to how best this can be captured, converted and then stored. An appealing option is to mimic Nature by creating an 'artificial leaf' which can store solar energy in the form of chemical bonds as occurs in natural photosynthesis. Barber and Tran review the progress made towards achieving this goal. This contribution initiates a series of Headline Reviews on biological energy conversion; other themes will commence later in the year. We hope that readers of J. R. Soc. Interface will find this new venture of great interest.