RSC and the Chinese Chemical Society announce unique publishing partnership

A unique not-for-profit society partnership signed today between the Chinese Chemical Society (CCS) and the RSC will launch a collection of journals that combine high quality content and fast publication with trusted values of society publishing.

Dr Robert Parker, RSC chief executive, said after today’s signing in  China: “These journals, known as the Frontiers journals, aim to publish the very best research from China, Asia and the rest of the world to an international audience.

“This collaboration between CCS and RSC celebrates a new phase in scientific growth, and will provide researchers with unparalleled opportunities for global visibility and international collaboration.”

An integral part of the development of each journal within the collection is collaboration with a top Chinese institute in the relevant field. These partner institutes will strengthen the prestige and scientific knowledge of the initiative. The first two journals and their partner institutes are:

  • Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers, Peking University, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering
  • Organic Chemistry Frontiers, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry

Each Frontiers journal will be jointly owned by CCS, RSC and the relevant partner institute, with each owner bringing their expertise to the project.

The two journals will publish their first issues in 2014.

Other journals from core chemistry areas will be launched as part of this initiative over the next few months and years.

The long-term aim is for the Frontiers portfolio to become a leading international journal series for the chemical sciences community.

Professor Jiannian Yao, president of the Chinese Chemical Society, said: “As the central science, chemistry will continue its expedition of discovery and creation, providing powerful and reliable support for mankind’s efforts in sustainable development and improving the quality of life.

“China has the largest number of highly educated chemists and is now ranked among the top countries in the world in chemistry research. The number of manuscripts originated in China has sharply increased over the last decade.

“The new Frontiers  journals owned by Chinese Chemical Society and our partners will benefit the chemistry community. We are looking forward to kind support from our colleagues.”

Peking University’s Professor Song Gao, Editor-in-Chief, Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers, said:

“It is my great honour and pleasure to be invited to work with RSC and the CCS on the launch of the new inorganic journal.

“This is an important event for our College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering at Peking University, our aim is to be the outstanding chemistry institute through addressing important challenges, and carrying out research beyond the state-of-the art. Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers will present a global platform on frontiers of inorganic molecule and solid-state chemistry and their biology, materials, and energy applications.”

Professor Shengming Ma, of Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Editor-in-Chief, Organic Chemistry Frontiers, said:

“Starting from the summer of 2011, we have been looking for a partner to launch a new journal in the field of organic chemistry. Due to the rapid development of organic chemistry in China, it is time for us to do something in scientific publishing in return.

“Now the dream has come true: Chinese Chemical Society and Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry will work with RSC Publishing to provide excellent service to the international organic community. As the appointed Editor-in-Chief of Organic Chemistry Frontiers I will do my best to build a top journal.”