Dear colleagues,
it seems that the publication policy at the conference was the only thing of any interest out of the almost one hour (!) presentation of the administration representative.
My opinion:
1) I agree, for students, the AIAA-paper format is very convenient - refereed publications, preparation experience, presentation experience, and so forth.
2) for everyone else - the current AIAA policy does not stand up to any criticism.
a) Publication of results in an AIAA paper is generally regarded as publication of a work-in-progress result. Everyone prefers to refer (at this particular time) to a journal article.
b) Publication of results as an AIAA paper FULLY BLOCKS further publication of the paper in any journals other than AIAA journals. It's not that AIAA doesn't grant permission, it's that journals (the good ones) don't accept papers published anywhere else (ArXiV being the exception).
c) AIAA journals (in which subsequent AIAA paper publication is possible) have low rankings (and low citations), and, much worse, very long publication times that often exceed 12 months.
Thus, we must choose:
1) if AIAA conferences are for students and publishing not too interesting results, the right option is long papers and then struggling with AIAA journals (if necessary...)
2) if we consider AIAA conferences as a place to discuss new, "hot" results - we need a short abstract format, leaving the possibility of quick publication of the results in high ranking journals.
Probably the best solution is to have both formats. Students can practice writing long papers, but it should also be possible to discuss the work simply by publishing a short 1-page abstract.
Best regards,
Andrey
-- Editor-in-Chief, PLASMA
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Princeton University
40 Olden St., Engineering Quadrangle, MAE
Princeton, NJ 08544-5263
phone: 1-215-422-2703
e-mail:
astariko@princeton.edu
Original Message:
Sent: 1/16/2024 12:31:00 PM
From: Azer Yalin
Subject: RE: SciTech meeting - minutes and follow-up on action items
Thanks for the minutes Sally. In an attempt to more fully capture the discussion on publications I suggest a few changes:
Under item 4 on Steve Beresh visit I suggest you add:
- There was also discussion on requesting that AIAA change the current format of long papers to a new (or alternate) format of shorter abstracts. Opinions on this were quite mixed with some individuals (add names?) arguing this would help their students publish in other journals, and also that the current format limits the quality/quantity of submissions since some people prefer to hold back for journals instead. Other opinions (Yalin, ...) were that the current long paper format is definitely preferred as it is very useful for graduate students to have the experience of writing (and presenting) these papers. [This discussion also relates to the Angie Lander visit - lower down in the minutes - which in fact was first at the meeting.]
Under Angie Lander visit, please change the bullet point ("Azer: 100% to ..."):
- Some TC members commented that AIAA prevents the contents of conference publications from being later submitted to journals. Yalin disagreed with this stating that, based on his recent emails, AIAA does/would grant needed permissions but the issue is if the journals themselves would accept contents previously presented at a conference. It was then discussed that AIAA journals are an option in this case, but there was dissatisfaction with their long reviews.
Perhaps other folks can further flesh out the above.
Thanks,
Azer
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Azer Yalin
Professor
Colorado State University
Fort Collins CO
(970)232-5545
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Original Message:
Sent: 15 Jan, 2024 16:01
From: Sally Bane
Subject: SciTech meeting - minutes and follow-up on action items
Colleagues,
Thank you everyone for a lively and productive TC meeting on Wednesday!
Attached are the minutes from the meeting – it was difficult for me to take notes at points, so please help me fill in any blanks/items I may have missed. I have also attached the slides presented during the meeting.
Based on our discussions, I noted the follow 4 areas for further discussion and/or action:
1) Publishing and converting conference papers
2) Adding student members to the TC
3) TC reorganization, specifically to re-form subcommittees
4) Member expectations
For the first item, let's continue the discussion in the Engage thread and I will compile the input from the members. We can then decide how we might want to bring the topic up with AIAA.
For the second item, I would like to collect your thoughts, opinions, and ideas. In an attempt to not further clutter our inboxes, I have set up a simple Google doc where you can provide your input:
You should not need to log into Google to access and edit the document, and you can list your name or provide input anonymously. I will collect your input over the next few months and then we can revisit the discussion.
For items 3 and 4, I will follow up with many of you individually to hear your thoughts and ideas and we can discuss further as a TC at AVIATION.
Thank you all again for a great TC meeting and conference! Please contact me anytime if you have any feedback, questions, or concerns.
Best,
Sally
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Sally Bane, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics and
Mechanical Engineering (by courtesy)
Purdue University
Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering
701 West Stadium Avenue
West Lafayette, IN 47907
Ph. (765) 494-9364
sbane@purdue.edu
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