I Applied Vegetation Science i (AVS) is a well-established journal in the landscape of ecological research, and in recent years this can be recognised in the quality of submissions and the rigorous selection procedures. As usual, the judgements of the Co-ordinating Editors and Chief Editors did not completely agree on the best papers, given the number of high-quality papers received and published. Other papers were worthy of being awarded and were highly appreciated by the Co-ordinating Editors or the Chief Editors.