Fig. 1. Virtual cover for the 5th anniversary of Advanced Photonics, adapted from past featured issue covers, from 2019 to 2023. Credit: Dr. Linpeng Lu.

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As we mark the fifth anniversary of Advanced Photonics, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for the remarkable journey we have undertaken together with our authors, readers, reviewers, Editorial Board, and publishers. Over the past half-decade, the journal has fostered groundbreaking research and facilitated discussions on the most innovative topics of optics and photonics. This is reflected in our current standing as one of the top five journals in optics.

First and foremost, we extend the deepest appreciation to our dedicated authors and readers. The number of submitted manuscripts is at an all-time high, as well as the number of reads and downloads of the published papers. Our reviewers and editors work tirelessly to uphold the highest standards of academic rigor and integrity. It is through the vision and leadership of our Editorial Board that we have maintained a reputation for publishing cutting-edge, impactful research in photonics and the related fields.

As we reflect on the achievements of the past five years, we also look towards the future. We would like to think about Advanced Photonics as not just a journal but rather the ecosystem for the community where everyone can find the best research in their area, thought-provoking commentaries, reflections of photonics luminaries, and the latest news. We constantly scout and encompass the emerging areas of our field to keep the journal at the forefront of most recent trends in science. We constantly work to increase the visibility of our authors and nurture greater engagement within the academic community. We are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our journal, reflecting the richness of perspectives within our field. We strive to promote the greatest challenges of our time—the drive towards energy sustainability and a net-zero carbon emission society—and showcase how photonics can help to meet these challenges. Our Early Career Editorial Board brings new perspectives from our ever-growing community, keeps us alert to new trends, and helps to plan our way forward.

Today, we would like to take a moment to celebrate the exceptional contributions of everyone involved with the journal: you are the driving force behind Advanced Photonics and its success. Together, we will continue to uphold the highest standards and to keep the journal going from success to success.

Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey.