The field of radiology, inherently visual in nature, stands at the forefront of innovation not only in clinical practice and research but also in scientific communication [1,2,3]. At European Radiology, we are proud to announce the integration of graphical abstracts into our publication process, with an emphasis on Original Articles. This new feature represents a step forward, enhancing how we present and disseminate the groundbreaking work of our authors.

Graphical abstracts are designed to distil the essence of an original scientific article into a single, visually engaging image [4, 5]. This concise format offers authors a unique opportunity to highlight their findings, delivering a clear take-home message to the journal’s diverse audience [6, 7]. For readers, it provides an accessible gateway to understanding the research’s significance, methodology, and conclusions—all at a glance.

The decision to adopt graphical abstracts reflects our commitment to amplifying the impact of the original research published in European Radiology [3]. While these visuals are invaluable for enhancing engagement on social media platforms [4, 8, 9], their utility extends far beyond. Graphical abstracts are an effective means of communicating with non-experts, including patients [10], healthcare policymakers, and the broader public. By presenting complex findings in an intuitive and visually appealing way, they bridge the gap between specialist research and wider societal understanding [10]. In the digital age, where journal articles are increasingly accessed online [11, 12], and with European Radiology entirely online since 2021, graphical abstracts serve as a compelling tool to capture the attention of readers scrolling through articles [4, 5]. They also provide a memorable visual summary that can leave a lasting impression, especially in a specialty like radiology, where images often speak louder than words [1, 6, 7].

The creation of a graphical abstract is an opportunity for authors to showcase their work creatively and effectively. We offer the option to include a graphical abstract during the initial submission, and they are now being made compulsory from the first revision stage for every Original Article. By adhering to our guidelines—focusing on simplicity, clarity, and a single main message—authors can craft visuals that both complement and elevate their research. The inclusion of the article’s title, minimal yet impactful text, and thoughtfully chosen illustrations ensures that these abstracts are as informative as they are visually striking. To support our authors in adopting this new format, we have provided a dedicated template (Fig. 1A) designed to make the process as seamless as possible, while acknowledging that the diversity of submissions to European Radiology means that not all submissions will exactly fit this template. Early examples of compelling graphical abstracts adhering to these guidelines are provided (Fig. 1B, C). Additionally, our handling editors and the editorial office are committed to working closely with authors to create the best possible graphical abstracts. This collaboration ensures that each visual summary aligns with the high standards of the journal while effectively communicating the core message of the research.

New look template for the European Radiology graphical abstract (A) and examples from published papers (B, C). B Reproduced under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License from Manzke et al [13]. C Reproduced under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License from Bezek et al [14]

We are confident that graphical abstracts will enrich the scientific communication landscape of European Radiology. They highlight the tremendous effort and innovation of our authors while aligning with the evolving needs of a global audience seeking concise, impactful, and visually engaging content. Moreover, by leveraging social media to share these abstracts, we hope to significantly expand the reach of radiological research, fostering dialogue across disciplines and increasing engagement with diverse audiences.

We encourage all our contributors to embrace this new format and explore its potential. By doing so, you are not only enhancing the reach and resonance of your work but also contributing to a forward-thinking vision of radiological research dissemination. Together, let us redefine how radiology’s story is told—one image at a time.