Get ready for some exciting changes in the world of scientific publishing! A new era of leadership is upon us, and we're thrilled to introduce the fresh faces taking the helm at AGU Journals.
AGU Publications is proud to announce an impressive lineup of five new Editors-in-Chief (EiCs) who will be joining our esteemed journals program in 2026. These individuals have been carefully selected to build upon the remarkable achievements of their predecessors and continue driving excellence in scientific communication.
First, let's express our heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing EiCs. Their dedication and expertise have been instrumental in shaping the success of their respective journals. We bid them farewell and extend our deepest appreciation for their invaluable contributions:
- JGR: Space Physics - Michael Balikhin (University of Sheffield, UK), EiC 2020-2025 (sadly, we lost him on October 26, 2025)
- Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology - Matthew Huber (Purdue University, USA), EiC 2020-2025
- Perspectives of Earth and Space Scientists - Michael Wysession (Washington University in St. Louis, USA), EiC 2019-2025
- Space Weather - Noé Lugaz (University of New Hampshire, USA), EiC 2019-2025
- Tectonics - Taylor Schildgen (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany), EiC 2020-2025
Now, let's extend a warm welcome to the incoming EiCs, who are ready to take on the challenge and continue the legacy of excellence:
- Natalia Papitashvili (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, USA) - Interim Editor-in-Chief for JGR: Space Physics until December 31, 2025, and full-term EiC starting January 1, 2026
- Sarah Feakins (University of Southern California, USA) - Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology
- David Long (University of Leicester, UK) - Perspectives of Earth and Space Scientists
- Sarah Gibson (National Center for Atmospheric Research, USA) - Space Weather
- John Platt (University of Oxford, UK) - Tectonics
But here's where it gets interesting... The selection process for AGU journals' EiCs is a meticulous and inclusive journey. It begins with an open call, managed by dedicated Search Committees, ensuring a diverse and balanced approach. These committees, composed of Publications staff and the Publications Committee, work hand in hand to identify the best candidates. The final recommendations are then reviewed by leaders from the Board, Council, and Leadership Development/Governance Committee, along with staff partners, to ensure a thorough and reputable selection process.
We extend our sincere thanks to all the colleagues involved in this important process, as their contributions are invaluable to the future of AGU Journals.
So, what do you think about these changes? Are you excited to see the fresh perspectives these new EiCs will bring? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! We'd love to hear your take on this exciting transition.
