AIP Publishing appoints Igor Kaganovich as editor in chief of Physics of Plasmas
AIP Publishing announced today that Igor Kaganovich, a senior researcher at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) at Princeton University, has been named editor in chief of Physics of Plasmas. The appointment marks a significant leadership shift for the journal, which is a key platform for high-impact research in plasma physics, fusion energy science, and related disciplines.
Kaganovich brings decades of experience in theoretical and computational plasma physics, as well as a proven track record of advancing experimental and theoretical collaboration. In his new role, he will oversee editorial strategy, peer review standards, and the journal’s mission to publish rigorous, impactful work that advances understanding of plasma behavior in both basic and applied contexts.
“Physics of Plasmas has long stood at the intersection of fundamental science and practical applications,” said Kaganovich. “I look forward to guiding the journal toward a future that emphasizes robust methodology, reproducible results, and timely dissemination of breakthroughs in plasma physics and fusion science.”
The appointment comes at a time when plasma physics is central to efforts ranging from magnetic confinement fusion research to advanced materials processing and space plasma studies. Peer scientists will benefit from Kaganovich’s emphasis on transparent review processes and on promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, which is essential for translating theoretical insights into experimental progress.
PPPL, where Kaganovich is based, has been a leading hub for plasma physics research, including projects on magnetic confinement fusion, plasma-surface interactions, and high-performance computing models. The cross-pollination of ideas between PPPL researchers and the wider Physics of Plasmas readership is expected to intensify under his leadership, potentially accelerating the pace of published discoveries and methodological innovations.
What this means for authors and readers
For authors, the new editorial leadership underscores the journal’s commitment to rigorous peer review, rapid manuscript handling, and fair assessment of innovative results. Physics of Plasmas will continue to prioritize clarity, reproducibility, and the careful framing of results within the broader context of plasma science. For readers, the journal remains a trusted source for cutting-edge research on topics such as plasma dynamics, turbulence, wave–particle interactions, fusion plasma confinements, and plasma-material interactions.
Kaganovich’s work at PPPL spans several areas that are closely aligned with the journal’s scope, including theoretical modeling, computational simulations, and the analysis of laboratory and fusion plasmas. His leadership is expected to encourage submissions that bridge theory and experiment, as well as those that explore novel diagnostic techniques and computational tools that enhance understanding of plasma phenomena.
As editor in chief, Kaganovich will collaborate with an editorial board composed of researchers from major universities, national laboratories, and industry partners. The journal will continue to publish original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that advance knowledge in the physics of plasmas, with an increasing emphasis on reproducibility and data-driven science.
Institutional and professional communities are watching closely as Physics of Plasmas evolves under new leadership. The journal’s ongoing mission is to disseminate high-quality research that informs both fundamental plasma physics and practical applications, including those critical to fusion energy development and space science research.
