Analyst – international, interdisciplinary detection science

Welcome to this first issue of Analyst in 2011. Analyst has come a long way in a short time. August 2011 will mark five years since the journal adopted the new direction of interdisciplinary detection science. In this time, Analyst has seen a significant rise in impact factor and immediacy. However, perhaps even more striking than this, has been the sharp rise in the number of high quality submissions. Since August 2006, the journal has experienced a huge growth in the number of authors choosing to submit their article to Analyst. In addition to this, the increasing quality of this research has meant we have seen a greater than 200% rise in the number of articles being accepted over this time (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1 The rise in the number of articles accepted by Analyst between 2006 and 2010.

Therefore going into 2011, this is the right time to increase the number of issues published to 24 per annum. This is good news for both our authors and our readers who will be able to read the latest research in detection science even sooner.

International visibility

The growth in the number of high quality articles published in Analyst shows that an increasing number of authors are recognising the excellent service that the journal can provide, through fast publication, high quality refereeing and an international reader- and author-ship. As shown below, the appeal of Analyst is being recognised on a truly international basis, with an even contribution from authors all over the world (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2 Geographical spread of articles accepted for publication in Analyst, Jan–Nov 2010.

To reflect the truly global nature of the journal, on submission of their article Analyst authors will still have the choice between submitting their article to the RSC editorial office in Cambridge in the UK, or to one of our regional Associate Editor offices. Professor Steve Soper is the Associate Editor for the Americas, Professor Boris Mizaikoff is Associate Editor for Europe, and Professor Xinrong Zhang at Tsinghua University in China is our Associate Editor for Asia.

We would also like to warmly welcome new Editorial Board members to the journal. Takahiko Kitamori from the University of Tokyo, Japan, will provide valuable expertise in the area of microfluidic analytical techniques; and Vicky Wysocki from the University of Arizona, US who adds further knowledge in the area of biological mass spectrometry.

Plate1 Takahiko Kitamori

Plate2 Vicky Wysocki

Interdisciplinary

In 2010, Analyst has strived to maintain and grow the interdisciplinary nature of the research published in the journal. This has been reflected in our themed issue on Ambient Mass Spectrometry, guest-edited by Xinrong Zhang and Zheng Ouyang. This issue, featured as issue 4 this year, highlights the way that ambient mass spectrometry provides a vital extension to the traditional scope of mass spectrometry as a powerful and sensitive technique. The latest themed issue in Analyst is on the topic of Optical Diagnosis, which emphasizes how developments in technologies in detection science are having a direct impact on the efficiency of diagnosis in the clinic.

Going into 2011, Analyst would also like to acknowledge the importance of chemistry in the development of detection science. In recognition of the International Year of Chemistry 2011, the journal will be publishing a selection of articles entitled Grand Challenges. These articles will highlight how analytical chemistry is at the forefront of some of the biggest challenges facing scientists today. Also look out for our Emerging Investigators themed issue to be published later this year, which will showcase some of the finest up-and-coming talent in detection science. This issue will be guest-edited by Christy Haynes from the University of Minnesota, US and Perdita Barran from the University of Edinburgh, UK.

2010 was also a very good year for our sister journal Analytical Methods. This new journal, focussing on the practical applications of analytical science, has quickly established its place in the analytical community. Look out for a joint Editorial from Paul Bohn, Chair of the Analyst Editorial Board and Brett Paull, Editor-in-Chief of Analytical Methods, in a future issue describing how these two journals complement each other within the RSC analytical portfolio, and how the addition of Analytical Methods will offer authors a greater choice in which to publish their work.

Please find below some additional news on other aspects of RSC Publishing.

Quality and growth continues

It’s quality that really matters at RSC Publishing. And the 2009 Journal Citation Reports^® proved that our quality is better than ever as our average impact factor (IF) rose from 4.9 to 5.4. It’s an impressive figure, especially when compared with the average for a chemistry journal of 2.4.

But we don’t rely on just one or two titles to boost our average. It’s our entire collection that counts: of the top 20 journals in the multidisciplinary chemistry category, 25% are from RSC Publishing; and 90% of our titles have an IF over 3.

Our list of titles continues to grow: Food & Function and Catalysis Science & Technology are the latest titles to join our expanding portfolio. Plus, the number of articles we’ve published has increased by 74% in the last 2 years alone. We remain committed to providing a world-class publishing service to our authors, and delivering cutting-edge chemical science to readers throughout the world.

The IF and article growth figures provide a clear indication that more researchers than ever before are recognising journals from the RSC as a key resource to access the very best research.

2011 Books

With steady front-list growth and cutting-edge content, delivering excellence and authority, the RSC is one of the world’s leading chemical science print and online book publishers.

Nearly 1000 eBooks equating to one third of a million pages, the RSC eBook Collection delivers outstanding online research and opinion in a multitude of areas of the chemical sciences. Nine new RSC eBook Subject Collections offer additional flexibility.

With over 90 new print titles planned for 2011, including: second editions of seminal texts; and new RSC Polymer Chemistry and RSC Metallobiology series launching, our contribution to chemistry collections worldwide is diverse, topical and high impact. Expect another first class collection of best selling chemical science titles in 2011.

NEW RSC Publishing Platform

Access one million journal articles and book chapters in one simple integrated search.

The new RSC Publishing Platform has been developed in consultation with the international scientific and librarian community. Together we have identified the best and most valued interface and features that connects you with the highest quality scientific research. With one single search box, easily access our books, journals and databases for students, academics, researchers, scientists and professionals.

www.rsc.org/platform

Free online access

Free online access is available to all our newest journals, and more – all you need to do is register for an RSC Publishing personal account. Then, when you are logged in, you will be able to access all our free content. Currently this includes:

• all content of our newest journals for the first 2 volumes

• any articles that are part of a special free access promotion (e.g. ‘hot’ papers, web theme issues, etc.)

• all journal content published more than two years ago (dating back to 1997)

• a sample chapter from each book in the RSC eBook Collection.

With your username and password you can access the free content any time, any place – all you need is internet access. Register at www.rsc.org/personalregistration.

If your institution is a current customer with IP registered, you will be able to access all free content. Other institutions can apply for free online access to our newest journals using our online form: www.rsc.org/freeaccess.

ChemSpider

Have you heard about the RSC’s award winning chemical structure and text based search engine – ChemSpider? It’s FREE!

ChemSpider provides access to:

• millions of chemical structures

• an abundance of additional property information

• tools to upload, curate and use the data

• a multitude of other online services like the RSC Publishing Platform.

ChemSpider is one of the richest single sources of structure-based chemistry information.

Visit www.chemspider.com (for mobile devices: cs.m.chemspider.com).

RSC 2011 conferences and events

As a learned society host for more than 300 international conferences and events, the following have been outlined as areas you may find of interest. Visit www.rsc.org/ConferencesAndEvents to view the complete schedule of events for 2011.

Faraday Discussion 150: Frontiers in Spectroscopy

Basel, Switzerland, 6–8 April.

Analytical Research Forum 2011

Manchester, UK, 25–27 July.

International Year of Chemistry 2011

IUPAC (in conjunction with the UN and UNESCO) have proclaimed 2011 as the International Year of Chemistry (IYC), the goals of which are: to increase the public appreciation of chemistry in meeting world needs; to encourage interest in chemistry among young people; and to generate enthusiasm for the creative future of chemistry. The RSC will be leading the way in IYC 2011, supporting this important initiative through a series of events and activities. We welcome all your comments and feedback, so please do not hesitate to get in touch at E-mail: analyst-rsc@rsc.org.

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the continued support from all our authors and referees, and to wish you a very happy and prosperous 2011!

Paul Bohn, Chair, Analyst Editorial Board

May Copsey, Editor

Vibhuti Patel, Deputy Editor

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