Overview of the Partnership and Journal Launch
AIP Publishing (AIPP) has announced a strategic partnership with Hebei University of Technology to develop Harmonics and Scattering (HAS), a new open access journal dedicated to the science of harmonics and wave scattering. Slated to begin publishing in 2026, HAS will enter the scholarly landscape as a diamond open access platform, meaning that authors publish without article processing charges, and readers gain immediate, unrestricted access to high-quality research. The collaboration blends AIPP’s publishing expertise with Hebei University of Technology’s strengths in applied physics and engineering, aiming to accelerate advances in both theory and application.
Why a New Journal Focused on Harmonics and Scattering?
Harmonics and scattering are foundational to a multitude of disciplines, from optics and acoustics to electromagnetics and materials science. The field addresses how waves interact with structures, how nonlinear effects generate higher harmonics, and how scattering phenomena can be precisely characterized and controlled. A dedicated journal provides a centralized venue for researchers to share experimental results, theoretical models, numerical simulations, and review articles. HAS will emphasize reproducibility, rigorous peer review, and open data practices to foster collaboration across universities, industry, and government laboratories.
Scope and Topics
HAS will cover a broad spectrum within harmonics and scattering, including but not limited to: nonlinear harmonic generation, forward and inverse scattering problems, metamaterials and photonic/phononic crystals, acoustic and optical wave control, inverse design methods, and applications in sensing, imaging, and communications. The editorial board intends to welcome interdisciplinary work that applies harmonic analysis and scattering theory to real-world challenges, such as materials characterization, device performance optimization, and environmental sensing.
Open Access Model and Accessibility
One of HAS’s defining characteristics is its diamond open access model. This approach guarantees that authors can publish without article processing charges, and readers can access every article for free. By removing paywalls and fees, the journal seeks to broaden participation from researchers in emerging economies, early-career scientists, and practitioners who translate research into products and processes. The diamond OA model is supported by a combination of institutional commitments, funding agency policies, and the strategic mission of AIP Publishing to disseminate science widely.
Editorial Vision and Peer Review
HAS will implement a transparent, rigorous peer-review process designed to uphold scientific integrity while expediting publication timelines. The editorial team from AIP Publishing alongside scholars from Hebei University of Technology will curate a balanced mix of original research articles, short communications, review papers, and perspective pieces. The journal will encourage data availability statements, code sharing, and adherence to reporting standards to enhance reproducibility and reuse of results.
Impact on the Scientific Community
By providing a dedicated platform for harmonic and scattering research, HAS aims to become a trusted resource for academics, engineers, and industry partners. The journal’s open access model supports broader dissemination of findings, enabling faster translation of discoveries into innovative sensors, imaging technologies, and communication systems. Early international collaborations and invited submissions are expected to establish HAS as a leading venue in wave physics within a few years of its inception.
Timeline and Next Steps
Preparatory work for HAS is underway in 2025, with the goal of launching in 2026. The partnership will involve the recruitment of an international editorial board, development of author guidelines, creation of an online submission platform, and the establishment of data and code policies. AIP Publishing and Hebei University of Technology will also coordinate outreach to researchers, libraries, and funders to highlight the benefits of diamond open access and the HAS publishing model.
Conclusion
The collaboration between AIP Publishing and Hebei University of Technology to establish Harmonics and Scattering signals a commitment to open, high-quality science. By combining expert editorial oversight with a no-fee publishing framework, HAS is positioned to become a pivotal resource for researchers investigating the physics of waves and their practical applications. The 2026 launch will mark a significant milestone in the evolution of open access publishing for specialized areas of physics and engineering.
