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Journal Editors at AGU


About AGU Journal Editors

The Union is interested in attracting papers in newly developing areas, improving the quality of AGU journals, and assuring that AGU journals support the information needs of the membership.

Editors of AGU journals are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Union President for a specified term of either three or four years, depending on the journal. AGU Editors have the full authority to accept or reject submitted papers. In addition, Editors handle the review process and can seek out papers in their speciality for inclusion in the journal. Associate editors and reviewers can be chosen to assist an Editor and their input should be viewed as advisory to the Editor. Although associate editors and reviewers provide critical guidance, the Editor has the sole right and obligation to decide what will be published by AGU.

Associate editors are also appointed by the AGU President and serve at the pleasure of the Editor. An associate editor’s term is normally 3 years, but to give Editors of different journals flexibility, they can recommend the appointment of an AE for a term of 2–4 years, but not to extend more than one year beyond the current Editor’s term. An Editor can also recommend that an associate editor’s term be shortened or extended to meet the needs of the journal.

The Editor is the custodian of the journal for a time and is expected to interpret the scope of the journal broadly. An AGU Editor is an advocate for the journal. This is the primary reason why an Editor of an AGU journal may not serve simultaneously in another editorial capacity for a second AGU journal or a non-AGU journal if that role entails the responsibility of accepting or rejecting papers.

Responsibilities of an Editor:

  • To decide which papers meet the criteria for scientific excellence and relevance for the community the journal serves
  • To seek out exciting new areas for publication; identify and solicit thought-provoking and controversial papers
  • To assure that all submitted manuscripts receive prompt, critical evaluation, and meet or better timeliness goals

Characteristics Desirable in a Candidate:

  • Scientific breadth in the area of interest
  • Expertise in the evolving or competitive areas of the journal
  • Editorial experience
  • Maintains high standards in research and publication
  • Meets commitments and is well organized
  • Managerial strength and ability to make difficult decisions

AGU has a standard policy with support for journal Editors. Editorships are voluntary positions; an honorarium is provided. An institution is not expected to be out-of-pocket for the additional direct costs because a faculty or staff member takes on an AGU editorship. AGU provides a budget to cover editorial office expenses. Editorial support can be provided from AGU headquarters or locally and varies depending on the journal. Staff can provide appropriate details about support.

Each journal is represented by one Editor on the Board of Journal Editors. This board meets twice a year at the Joint Assembly and Fall Meetings of AGU.

An appointed search committee evaluates prospective candidates and conducts personal interviews with a small number of highly qualified applicants. The search committee provides the AGU President with a prioritized list of the top ranked candidates for each editorship. The final selection of Editor is the decision of the President of the Union.

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