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 News & Notices

Minutes of 71st Bureau
26-27 September 1998, Frankfurt, Germany


14. PUBLICATIONS

14.1. STATUS REPORT

Dr. Jost reviewed the problems with the publication schedules for PAC and CI. PAC is currently late due to delays in the submission of manuscripts. While the number of subscriptions to PAC continues to decline, the rate of decline seems to be less than that for most scientific journals.

14.2. APPROVAL OF SUBSCRIPTION RATES FOR 1999

Dr. Jost noted that the subscription increase for PAC proposed by the Committee on Printed and Electronic Publications is ~7%, significantly less than the 12% increase proposed by Blackwell. The Bureau approved the subscription rates for 1999 as recommended by CPEP.

14.3. PROPOSAL TO REOPEN THE PUBLISHING CONTRACT

Dr. Jost emphasized that the recommendation from the Committee on Printed and Electronic Publications to reopen the publishing contract is not based primarily on financial considerations, but rather, the increased flexibility foreseen if the Union becomes its own publisher for PAC and CI. The ability to set subscription rates so as to increase the subscriber base for PAC and the need to explore how electronic publishing could be used to further the Union's desire to make its work more widely and readily available, were seen as most important. While the dates suggested were aggressive, they were in line with being able to make a decision about PAC at the meeting of the Executive Committee in April 1999. A decision on book publishing could be made later, since books did not have the same regular publication schedule as a journal. An additional point to be considered is the need to set clear criteria to judge if a self-publishing arrangement is working as expected.

After some discussion, the Bureau approved the recommendation of CPEP to open the publication contract. The Executive Director was asked to prepare bid packages for PAC and books and to develop a more detailed analysis of the self-publishing option for PAC.

14.4. ENVIRONMENTAL ESTROGENS SPECIAL ISSUE

Prof. Fischli noted that this project is a joint effort of IUPAC-IUTOX-IUPHAR with financial support from ICSU for the dissemination of the special issue. Dr. Wright reviewed the history of the project and noted that each contribution had been peer reviewed. Dr. Miyamoto will present a summary of the subject of environmental estrogens at the meeting of the International Federation for Chemical Safety later this year in Yokohama, Japan. The possibility of developing a speaker pack on this subject for use by IUPAC officers and others was raised. The special issue is planned to be the September issue of PAC with a publication date of late November. IUPHAR and IUTOX have agreed to purchase 200 copies each and other organizations such as the CMA and CEFIC are expected to purchase multiple copies. Dr. Miyamoto has arranged for a Japanese translation to be completed by early next year.

14.5. SPECIAL TOPICS EDITOR FOR PURE AND APPLIED CHEMISTRY

Dr. Becker reviewed the concept of a special topics editor for PAC. This person would not be editor of PAC, but rather would be responsible for developing special topic issues or review articles. Dr. Becker reported that Prof. James Bull of the University of Cape Town had agreed to accept the position. He will be in the US in October and will visit the Secretariat to discuss his plans. It was pointed out that the Pure and Applied Chemistry Editorial Advisory Board would need to be more active in support of the initiatives introduced by Prof. Bull.

14.6. FORUM EDITOR FOR CHEMISTRY INTERNATIONAL

Prof. Jortner discussed the concept of the Forum Editor for Chemistry International as intended to promote discussion of science policy issues of interest to the global chemistry community. While a number of people had been approached about this position, no one had yet been found to take on this assignment.

14.7. SUPPLEMENT TO "HISTORY OF IUPAC"

Dr. Jost reported that a final draft of the supplement to the History of IUPAC had been received from Prof. Brown. Dr. Becker reviewed the reasons for commissioning the supplement, especially the retirement of Dr. Williams and the transfer of the Union's records to North Carolina.

The manuscript will be sent to all the current IUPAC Officers and recent former Officers for review.

14.8. DISSOLUTION OF THE CHEMISTRY INTERNATIONAL EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Dr. Becker noted that the Chemistry International Editorial Advisory Board is no longer considered necessary. The Executive Committee therefore approved the dissolution of the EAB.

14.9. ETHICAL GUIDELINES FOR SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS - A DISCUSSION

Prof. Jortner noted that scientific journals are consolidating, creating the need for ethical guidelines that are international rather than only national. Electronic publication introduces new questions and issues. A small working group will be set up to address these issues. The members of the Bureau were asked to provide suggestions for participants.


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