Re-launch and Official Journal of the European Society for the History of Science

Centaurus was established in 1950 as a journal for the history of science. The subtitles have changed slightly over the years, from International Magazine of the History of Science and Medicine, to International Magazine of the History of Mathematics, Science and Technology, to the current version: International Journal of the History of Science and its Cultural Aspects. However, the scope of the journal has remained comprehensive. Centaurus covers all aspects of the history of science, technology and medicine, from ancient to contemporary history, and from all areas of the world. It also accepts papers addressing historiographical issues or other issues of general importance to the professionals working in history of science, technology and medicine.

Centaurus has been re-launched in 2006 with a new editor, an expanded editorial board, and renewed emphasis on the comprehensive scope of the journal. As of 2007, Centaurus will be associated with the European Society for the History of Science. Not only does this mean that members of the ESHS will receive a discounted subscription price, it also opens up new opportunities in serving as the official journal for this high-level European forum for research in the history of science.

Such changes call for reflections on the future. As to specific intentions, we will of course continue to publish articles of the highest quality across the entire range of topics falling within our Aims & Scope. On this point, we can only repeat the words from the very first issue: the pages of Centaurus will be open to contributions of every kind of subject inside its scope, provided they are original in their contents, well authenticated and of lasting value.

But we also intend to strike out in some new directions to attract contributions.

First, we have begun a number of special issues devoted to single topics in the history of science, technology and medicine. The success of these special issues tells us that this is an option that we should continue to offer. We will consider ideas for special issues that cover 3-5 papers at a total of approximately 35.000 words. Examples might be a collection of thematically related papers that have grown out of a workshop, or conference session, or a collaboration on a single theme.

Second, we plan to launch a section on current discussions and trends. We will also encourage the submission of essay reviews and we plan to invite major review articles.

But these are just some of the initiatives that can be undertaken to assist us in the larger task of defining the future of Centaurus. If you have any suggestions, or reactions to the new initiatives, please send them to me at the e-mail address centaurus@si.au.dk

I would like to invite you to send your manuscripts to Centaurus! We are aiming to reduce the turnaround time for evaluation and to prepare new and detailed guidelines to reviewers, so that we can offer both a speedy decision and helpful feedback on submitted manuscripts. We are also always glad to receive offers to join our database of prospective reviewers.

We expect that our office procedures will become increasingly electronic. Please visit our home page www.blackwellpublishing.com/cnt to sign up for free e-mail table of content alerts and to find guidelines on submission of articles.

Hanne Andersen, Editor
Steno Department of Studies in Science and Science Education
University of Aarhus
Ny Munkegade, bld. 1521
DK-8000 Aarhus C
DENMARK

Access to Centaurus Website (on www.blackwellpublishing.com)