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Decoding 50 Years of Biochemical Breakthroughs: A Look Back & Ahead

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Nico Varela in Science & Nature December 2025 • 5 min read.

"Celebrating a half-century of The FEBS Journal: From its origins in Germany to its current digital frontier, explore the pivotal moments, key discoveries, and future trends shaping biochemical research."


This year marks the 50th anniversary of The FEBS Journal, a publication with roots stretching back over a century. Originally launched in 1906 as the Biochemische Zeitschrift, a German-language journal, it was reborn in April 1966 when the Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS) partnered with Springer-Verlag. This collaboration led to its continuation under a new name: the European Journal of Biochemistry.

Under the leadership of Editor-in-Chief Claude Liébecq, the journal's editorial board convened for the first time in July 1966. The first submission arrived in September of the same year, and the inaugural issue of the European Journal of Biochemistry was published on March 1, 1967. In 2005, the journal adopted its current title, The FEBS Journal.

From its humble beginnings, accepting manuscripts in German, French, or English, The FEBS Journal has evolved significantly. In its first year, it published just over 150 manuscripts. Today, it boasts an archive of over 32,000 manuscripts and publishes around 320 articles annually. This article explores the key milestones, influential research, and future directions of this esteemed publication.

Key Moments and Milestones in The FEBS Journal's Evolution

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The FEBS Journal's journey is marked by several pivotal moments that reflect the changing landscape of biochemical research and publishing:

Here's a quick look at the some crucial inflection points:

  • 1966: European Journal of Biochemistry is approved at the 3rd FEBS Congress; Claude Liébecq is named as the first Editor in Chief, and the first editorial meeting is held in Heidelberg.
  • 1967: The European Journal of Biochemistry is officially launched.
  • 1986: Publication of the first review article, focusing on 'Micellar enzymology.'
  • 1988: Philipp Christen becomes the second Editor-in-Chief, and the editorial office moves from Liège to Zürich.
  • 1998: Richard Perham takes over as the third Editor-in-Chief; the office relocates from Zürich to Cambridge, and the journal begins publishing with Blackwell.
  • 2002: The journal implements an online submission system and introduces 'early view' online publication.
  • 2004: Launch of the annual Prize for Young Scientists
  • 2005: The journal is renamed The FEBS Journal.
  • 2008: Recognized as a 'rising star' by Science Watch.
  • 2010: Accepted articles are published online.
  • 2011: The journal begins publishing Special Issues.
  • 2013: Adoption of online-only publication and signing of DORA (Declaration on Research Assessment).
  • 2014: Seamus Martin appointed fourth Editor-in-Chief and the launch of State-of-the-Art Reviews.
  • 2015: Launch of Structural Snapshots and Viewpoints.
  • 2016: Formal support for preprints and open data.
Each Editor-in-Chief has guided the journal with the help of an editorial board comprised of active scientists, reflecting diverse fields within the molecular life sciences. From an initial board of 21 scientists, the board has expanded and contracted to adapt to evolving needs. Today's editorial board includes 28 members from various backgrounds.

The Next 50 Years: Embracing Change and Championing Scientific Integrity

As scientific publishing evolves, The FEBS Journal remains committed to serving and supporting scientists. This includes providing open access options, fast peer review, and limiting the number of revisions. By eliminating page and color figure charges and ensuring high visibility for every published paper, the journal continues to prioritize authors and readers.

The FEBS Journal has introduced a figure-checking step to ensure data integrity, demonstrating a commitment to robust and reliable research. The journal is also planning several Special Issues for 2018 and 2019, including a Cancer and Inflammation Special Issue.

The FEBS Journal embraces the future while upholding its core values of scientific rigor, accessibility, and community support. As preprints and postpublication review gain prominence, the journal will adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of researchers worldwide. Consider submitting your next manuscript and become a part of FEBS Journal's ongoing story.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What is The FEBS Journal, and how did it originate?

The FEBS Journal, formerly known as the European Journal of Biochemistry and initially the Biochemische Zeitschrift, has roots dating back to 1906. It was relaunched in 1966 following a collaboration between the Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS) and Springer-Verlag. This partnership was pivotal in shaping the journal's evolution from a German-language publication to a leading international journal. Its significance lies in its longevity and its adaptation to the changing landscapes of scientific publishing, reflecting advancements in biochemical research over the years.

2

Who was Claude Liébecq, and why was his role significant?

Claude Liébecq served as the first Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of Biochemistry starting in 1966. His leadership was crucial in establishing the journal's editorial board and setting the course for its future. Under his guidance, the journal published its inaugural issue and established the framework for peer review, manuscript submissions, and the overall editorial process. The choice of Editor-in-Chief is important to the success of any journal and is demonstrated by the continued success of The FEBS Journal.

3

What are some key milestones in The FEBS Journal's history?

Key milestones include the official launch of the European Journal of Biochemistry in 1967, the introduction of online submission systems, 'early view' publication, and the transition to online-only publication. Other significant events include the launch of the Prize for Young Scientists and the adoption of open data. These changes demonstrate its commitment to adapting to technological and scientific advancements, which enhanced its accessibility and impact within the scientific community. These milestones are pivotal because they showcase the journal's evolution in response to the changing landscape of scientific publishing, improving its efficiency and global reach.

4

What was the role of the Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS) in the journal's development?

The Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS) partnered with Springer-Verlag to relaunch the Biochemische Zeitschrift as the European Journal of Biochemistry in 1966. This collaboration was significant because FEBS provided the scientific expertise and Springer-Verlag, the publishing infrastructure. This partnership facilitated the journal's expansion from a regional publication to a broader international platform, expanding its reach. The association between FEBS and Springer-Verlag ensured its financial stability and access to a larger audience, setting the stage for its growth and influence in the field of molecular life sciences.

5

How does The FEBS Journal support scientists and promote scientific integrity?

The FEBS Journal has implemented several initiatives to support scientists, including open access options, fast peer review processes, and the elimination of page and color figure charges. This reflects its dedication to serving both authors and readers. By prioritizing authors' needs, the journal encourages submissions and ensures wider dissemination of research findings. By making these changes, it is showing support to the broader scientific community and promoting open scientific practices.

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