AIP Publishing appoints Igor Kaganovich as Editor-in-Chief of Physics of Plasmas
AIP Publishing has announced a leadership change for one of the field’s most respected journals. Igor Kaganovich, a principal scientist at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) within Princeton University, has been named editor-in-chief of Physics of Plasmas. The appointment reflects a continued commitment to advancing high-quality research at the intersection of physics and plasma science.
Why this appointment matters
Physics of Plasmas is known for publishing rigorous theoretical, computational, and experimental work that advances our understanding of plasma behavior in a variety of settings—from fusion energy to space and industrial applications. Under Kaganovich’s leadership, the journal aims to reinforce its position as a premier venue for transformative plasma research while maintaining the breadth that has drawn a diverse international readership.
Who is Igor Kaganovich?
Igor Kaganovich brings decades of experience in plasma physics, with a focus on non-equilibrium plasmas, surface interactions, and kinetic modeling. His work at PPPL, a leading center in fusion energy research, has repeatedly contributed to advancing compact, efficient approaches to plasma confinement and energy production. As editor-in-chief, Kaganovich will oversee the journal’s editorial strategy, peer-review standards, and publication ethics, ensuring that Physics of Plasmas continues to publish rigorous science that informs both theory and application.
What readers and contributors can expect
Under Kaganovich’s stewardship, Physics of Plasmas is expected to place a strong emphasis on:
– Editorial fairness and transparent peer review to maintain trust within the research community.
– A balance across subfields of plasma science, including magnetic confinement, laser-plasma interactions, and low-temperature plasmas.
– High-quality special issues that highlight emerging topics and cross-disciplinary collaborations.
– Timely publication of groundbreaking results that drive the development of fusion energy and related technologies.
PPPL and the broader research ecosystem
The appointment aligns with the broader trend of academic and national lab leadership driving scholarly journals toward more rigorous standards and broader accessibility. PPPL’s scientific program, which supports collaborations across universities and national laboratories, provides a fertile ground for the kind of cross-cutting research that Physics of Plasmas seeks to showcase. Kaganovich’s expertise in both fundamental plasma physics and applied research positions him well to curate content that resonates with researchers worldwide.
Impact on authors and the journal’s mission
Authors submitting to Physics of Plasmas can expect continued emphasis on robust methodologies, reproducibility, and clear interpretation of results. The editor-in-chief plays a pivotal role in steering the journal’s mission to disseminate knowledge that advances plasma science for practical use, including energy production, materials processing, and space exploration. By fostering inclusive high-standard peer review and editorial integrity, Physics of Plasmas aims to attract a broader cadre of researchers—from students to seasoned investigators—who are advancing the science and its applications.
About the transition
The transition to a new editor-in-chief marks an important milestone for both the journal and its community. AIP Publishing notes that the appointment was made to ensure strong leadership and continued growth of the journal’s impact factor, readership, and global reach. Kaganovich succeeds the previous editor as the journal continues to publish timely, peer-reviewed articles that shape the field of plasma physics for years to come.
For researchers, librarians, and institutions following the latest in plasma science, the new editor-in-chief promises continued excellence, greater visibility for high-quality work, and a platform that supports the dissemination of important discoveries in Physics of Plasmas.
