The editor: A demanding but underestimated role in scientific publishing

Key points Editorial services and editors' hard work are mostly underestimated, and yet the increase in articles, issues and journals requires more editors. Early Career Researchers should be encouraged to join editorial teams to advance their careers and improve their research skills. Working as an editor should receive greater recognition and reward, which will encourage greater participation by senior and junior researchers. Senior editors should create training opportunities for ECRs as it will help strengthen editorial teams and build resilience. The key requirements for any ECR joining an editorial team are to learn the rules, become an excellent communicator, learn to read in different roles and be prepared to do their homework.