Journal of Applied Statistics provides a forum for communication between both applied statisticians and users of applied statistical techniques across a wide range of disciplines. These areas include business, computing, economics, ecology, education, management, medicine, operational research and sociology, but papers from other areas are also considered. The editorial policy is to publish rigorous but clear and accessible papers on applied techniques. Purely theoretical papers are avoided but those on theoretical developments which clearly demonstrate significant applied potential are welcomed. Each paper is submitted to at least two independent referees. Each issue aims for a balance of methodological innovation, thorough evaluation of existing techniques, case studies, speculative articles, book reviews and letters. Gopal Kanji, the Editor, has been running the Journal of Applied Statistics for 25 years in 1998. Journal of Applied Statistics includes a supplement on Advances in Applied Statistics. Each annual edition of the supplement aims to provide a comprehensive and modern account of a subject at the cutting edge of applied statistics. Individual articles and entire thematic issues are invited and commissioned from authors in the forefront of their speciality, linking established themes to current and future developments.