In 2015 Dr Ian Littlewood stood down as the editor appointed by the British Hydrological Society (BHS) to Hydrology Research, a role which he had undertaken alongside Professor Dan Rosbjerg and then Professor Chong-Yu Xu appointed by the Nordic Association for Hydrology (NHF). Ian was appointed in 2007, at the time when Hydrology Research was established, the journal becoming the successor to Nordic Hydrology and realising the vision shared by both societies to develop a stronger international journal on behalf of their respective memberships.

Over this period, Ian has devoted considerable time and enthusiasm to Hydrology Research. The BHS owes a debt of gratitude to Ian for overseeing the publication of several Special Issues from BHS symposia and for his support of many Society Members in the transition from manuscript to published paper. Ian regularly attended BHS Committee meetings where his strong support for the journal and the process and ethics of peer-reviewed publication of research outcomes was always evident. Many authors from across the globe will no doubt join us in thanking Ian for his application of high standards, fastidious attention to detail and critical and constructive insight over the years. Ian has been a significant force in developing and maintaining the journal as one of the principal international journals in hydrology, evidenced by the increase in impact factor and the continued support of a number of international hydrological societies. Hydrology Research is now an official journal of the British Hydrological Society (BHS), Nordic Association for Hydrology (NHF), Italian Hydrological Society (HIS) and German Hydrological Society (DHG), and the number of associations is expected to increase. He was also keen that research should translate into operational practice and so also supported the concept that papers describing novel operational developments should be published in the journal. We thank Ian for being willing to continue to serve during 2015 in completing various assignments and wish him the very best in his retirement.

Nevil Wyndham Quinn, Editor (BHS)

Chong-Yu Xu, Editor (NHF)

Emma Gulseven, Journals Manger (IWA Publishing)

Geoff Petts, BHS President

Nigel Goody, BHS President (2013–2015)

Bob Sargent, BHS President (2011–2013)

Andrew Black, BHS President (2009–2011)

January 2016