New leadership for a cornerstone journal in plasma science
AIP Publishing has announced the appointment of Igor Kaganovich as the editor-in-chief of Physics of Plasmas, the leading journal dedicated to the science and technology of plasma physics. Kaganovich, a prominent researcher affiliated with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) at Princeton University, steps into a role that will shape the direction of one of the field’s most influential publications.
About Igor Kaganovich and his research background
Kaganovich is renowned in the plasma physics community for his work on high-energy-density plasmas, inertial confinement fusion, and plasma-surface interactions. His research portfolio spans fundamental theory, computational modeling, and experimental collaboration, reflecting a career built on bridging conceptual advances with practical laboratory applications. His leadership at PPPL, a U.S. DOE national lab with a storied history in fusion energy research, situates him at the heart of ongoing efforts to understand and harness plasma behavior for energy, materials processing, and space physics applications.
What this means for Physics of Plasmas
As editor-in-chief, Kaganovich will guide the journal’s editorial vision, ensuring rigorous peer review, timely publication, and alignment with the evolving landscape of plasma science. Physics of Plasmas serves researchers exploring topics ranging from basic plasma physics to applied research in fusion devices, laser-plasma interactions, and plasma-based technologies. Under new leadership, the journal is expected to emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, open science practices where appropriate, and the presentation of work that advances both theoretical understanding and practical outcomes.
Editorial direction and community engagement
Editors-in-chief shape a journal’s priorities by prioritizing high-impact research while maintaining fairness and accessibility. Kaganovich’s appointment signals a continued commitment to advancing high-quality, peer-reviewed science and to strengthening ties with the broader plasma community, including academic institutions, national laboratories, and industry partners. The role also involves nurturing early-career researchers through accessible publication practices, transparent review processes, and clear communication about research significance.
The impact on authors and readers
For authors exploring submissions to Physics of Plasmas, the change in leadership is a signal of stability and ongoing commitment to scholarly excellence. Researchers in fusion energy, space plasma, and accelerator plasmas may view this appointment as a commitment to rigorous standards, rigorous data presentation, and constructive feedback through the peer-review process. Readers will continue to rely on the journal for comprehensive coverage of experimental breakthroughs, theoretical advances, and computational methods that illuminate plasma behavior across a range of conditions.
A broader context for this appointment
The appointment aligns with a broader trend in scientific publishing toward strategic leadership changes that reflect the evolving priorities of specialized fields. Plasma physics, with its implications for clean energy, national security, and advanced manufacturing, remains a dynamic area where journals play a critical role in curating trustworthy, reproducible science. By appointing a respected researcher from PPPL, AIP Publishing affirms its dedication to quality, relevance, and the dissemination of impactful discoveries in plasmas.
What readers and contributors should expect next
In the coming months, readers can anticipate a series of editorial initiatives focused on enhancing the author experience, improving article discovery, and maintaining the journal’s high standards for methodological clarity and data transparency. The journal’s editorial board will likely collaborate with Kaganovich to outline priorities, review processes, and potential thematic issues that reflect the cutting edge of plasma research.
Concluding note
Igor Kaganovich’s appointment as editor-in-chief marks a notable milestone for Physics of Plasmas. As a leader with deep scientific insight and a strong track record at PPPL, he is well-positioned to steer the journal through the next phase of discovery in plasma science, fostering innovation while upholding the rigorous standards that researchers rely on for credible, reproducible results.
