EPJ H Highlight - Merging two journals dedicated to the history of physics

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Published on 20 September 2024

Under new leadership, EPJH has been integrated with Quaderni di Storia della Fisica

On July 1^st, 2024, the European Physical Journal H (EPJ H) merged with Quaderni di Storia della Fisica (Notebooks of History of Physics), one of very few other journals dedicated to the history of physics. The merger was announced through a new editorial published in EPJ H by the journal’s new Editors-in-Chief, Alexander Blum at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science in Berlin, and Matteo Leone at the University of Turin.

For Blum and Leone, the merger presents a unique opportunity to combine the distinct yet related traditions of EPJ H: Historical Perspectives on Contemporary Physics and Quaderni di Storia della Fisica, while ensuring the journal’s growth and relevance in the future. It will also provide a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue between physicists and historians – an increasingly important interaction in today’s academic landscape.

One of the key outcomes of the merger is the expansion of the EPJ H’s historical coverage. While the journal has traditionally focused on contemporary physics, the integration with Quaderni di Storia della Fisica will allow it to extend its scope to include earlier periods in the history of physics, while keeping a relevance to modern-day physicists in mind. This broader coverage aims to attract a more diverse readership: from research physicists interested in the early history of their work, to educators and students across many different levels of academia.

Blum and Leone also emphasise their commitment to including a more diverse range of submissions: including oral history interviews, translations of historic papers, and short communications. These changes reflect a broader goal of making EPJ H a central platform for both historians of science, and physicists interested in historical research.

Altogether, the editors hope that the merger of EPJ H and Quaderni di Storia della Fisica will create a robust platform for interdisciplinary research and dialogue which honours the traditions of both journals, while addressing the evolving needs of the academic community.