The International Journal of Developmental Biology (ISSN: 0214-6282) is an independent, not for profit scholarly journal, published byscientists, for scientists. The journal publishes papers which throwlight on our understanding of animal and plant developmental mechanisms in health and disease and, in particular, research which elucidates the developmental principles underlying stem cell propertiesand cancer. Technical, historical or theoretical approaches also fallwithin the scope of the journal. Criteria for acceptance include scientific excellence, novelty and quality of presentation of data and illustrations. Advantages of publishing in the journal include: rapidpublication; free unlimited color reproduction; no page charges; freepublication of online supplementary material; free publication of audiofiles (MP3 type); one-to-one personalized attention at all stagesduring the editorial process. An easy online submission facility and anopen online access option, by means of which papers can be published without any access restrictions. In keeping with its mission, thejournal offers free online subscriptions to academic institutions indeveloping countries.