JAAS celebrates 21 years

2006 is set to be a special year for the Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry (JAAS) as it marks the 21st year of successful publication. The vision of John Ottoway, the journal was launched in 1986 as a platform for the analytical atomic spectrometry community, with particular emphasis on applications. Today JAAS is known as a journal of excellence and its success owes much to the dedication and enthusiasm of JAAS authors and editorial board members. 

To celebrate this milestone year a number of activities have been organised, the highlight of which was held in January at the Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry, Tucson, USA. There, JAAS staff and editorial board members hosted a mixer reception at which delegates enjoyed drinks and were able to reflect on the influence and the impact that the journal has had on the community over the last 20 years. 'JAAS has become both a source of pride and a key resource treasured by the entire atomic spectrometry community,' said Gary Hieftje, chair of the editorial board. 'From its uncertain but farsighted beginnings, it has emerged as a premier journal, evidenced by its high impact factor, its innovative design, and its continuing evolution. John Ottaway would no doubt be delighted at how his brainchild has developed.'   

JAAS is not only a successful niche journal but has also become multidisciplinary and is widely considered to be the number-one journal in its field, publishing innovative research on all aspects of modern spectrometry. Let's hope there are many more years to come! 

New affiliates for photoscience journal

Two new societies have named Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences (PPS) as their official journal, it has been announced. The Asia and Oceania Society for Photobiology (AOSP) and the Korean Society of Photoscience (KSP) announced their affiliations in January, further strengthening the journal's society links.   

'AOSP and KSP will play an important role in promoting the synergy between photochemistry and photobiology, and increasing the profile of the journal within the Asian and Oceanian communities' commented Janet Bornman and Frans de Schryver, editors-in-chief for photobiology and photochemistry respectively. Pill-Soon Song (Jeju, Korea), who was the key player in this initiative, becomes the new editor-in-Asia. 

Launched in 2002, PPS is owned by the European Society for Photobiology (ESP) and the European Photochemistry Association (EPA) and published by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). The increased international support, coupled with the journal's rapid times to publication and rising impact factor, confirms that PPS remains on course to become the premier source of high quality research in the photosciences. 

And finally....

The latest edition of the 'Red Book' (Nomenclature of Inorganic Chemistry: Recommendations 2005), the definitive reference guide for inorganic chemists, has been published by the RSC. Providing internationally approved conventions for naming inorganic compounds, it clarifies and updates recommendations concerning names and formulae, to reflect major recent developments in inorganic chemistry.   

First published in 1958 by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), the 'Red Book' soon became an indispensable guide for scientists working in academia and industry. This new edition, complete with numerous examples, an extensive subject index and a flowchart to help readers find their chosen compound or species, is sure to continue that tradition with today's inorganic chemists.