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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

Editors should be committed to search the entire spectrum of the geophysical sciences for exciting topics of broad interest, to identify authors who can communicate their expertise in a stimulating, jargon-free style for a wide audience, to work closely with authors to ensure the highest-quality presentations, and to oversee the review process.

The Editor also works to further strengthen the journal and be proactive in attracting innovative contributions in developing areas, while not shying away from controversial submissions. The Union is interested in ensuring that readers of AGU journals receive the best and most timely information possible.

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.

AGU galvanizes a community of Earth and space scientists that collaboratively advances and communicates science and its power to ensure a sustainable future.