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Stellar achievement for UK physics publisher

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10.08.2007

IOP Publishing wins American Astronomical Society contract

IOP Publishing, the UK-based publishing company owned by the Institute of Physics, is celebrating winning a contract to publish the flagship research journals of the American Astronomical Society (AAS).

IOP was appointed as publisher after an intensive selection process beating off strong competition from major, global STM publishers for the contract to publish the titles*. The win emphasizes physics’ essential underlying role in astronomy. It also demonstrates the high regard in which British STM (Science, Technology and Medicine) academic publishing is held worldwide.

Kevin Marvel, AAS Executive Officer said, “IOP will be a great partner for the publication of the AAS journals. I look forward to working with IOP to truly enhance the usability and value of our journals to the research community. It should be easier to access and use the data that our authors present in our journals. IOP will work with us to expand the functionality of the journals while maintaining their high quality”.

The Institute of Physics is a learned society and professional body - as is the AAS - which means that the two organizations share the similar values of service to their scientific communities and of working for a fee-based rather than a profit-driven motive.

Ken Lillywhite, business director of IOP said, "The American Astronomical Society's journals are a crucial and well-respected resource for astronomers worldwide; I am particularly pleased that the Institute of Physics' publishing company has been awarded this contract. I feel sure that this will lead to a long and fruitful relationship between our organizations.

* See note 2 for journal titles involved and dates on which IOP commences publication

1. For more information, pictures of the signing of the contract and interviews with IOP Publishing’s business director, Ken Lillywhite, please contact Dianne Stilwell, public relations manager, the Institute of Physics, Tel: +44(0)7957 200 214, Mob: +44(0)20 7470 4875 or e-mail: dianne.stilwell@iop.org.

2. The American Astronomical Society has selected IOP Publishing Ltd. as the new publisher for its research journals. IOP will begin accepting manuscripts for publication in The Astronomical Journal in September of this year and will commence publishing the journal with the January 1, 2008 issue. Contingent on a successful transition for The Astronomical Journal, The Astrophysical Journal Part I, Part II Letters and The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series will commence publication with IOP on January 1, 2009.

3. IOP Publishing is a not for profit publisher wholly owned by the Institute of Physics (www.iop.org). It is one of the largest and most dynamic publishers of physics information in the world. The publishing activity dates back to 1874 and today the company publishes a wide range of journals, magazines and community websites. Its author and readership is international, and its performance was recognized by the Queen's Awards for Export Achievement in 1990, 1995 and 2000. IOP Publishing is a member of ALPSP, the Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers.

4. The Institute of Physics is a scientific membership organisation devoted to increasing the understanding and application of physics. It has an extensive worldwide membership (currently over 35,000) and is a leading communicator of physics with all audiences from specialists through government to the general public

5. The American Astronomical Society (www.aas.org) is the largest professional organization for research astronomers in the United States and publishes the leading journals in the field.

Charlie Wallace | Source: alphagalileo
Further information: journals.iop.org/

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