It is proposed to add a Rapid Communications section to the Journal of Plasma Physics. Papers submitted to this section should be restricted to no more than five printed pages in length, and should contain new and important ideas that warrant rapid dissemination amongst the plasma physics community. Submissions may be sent to any of the Editors or Associate Editors, who will obtain an assessment of the suitability of the paper as quickly as possible. We hope that readers and authors will find this a valuable addition to the journal.