Springer has entered into an agreement with the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) to publish The Encyclopedia of Molecular Life Sciences. The 11-volume work will be published in print and electronically in 2012. Society members will have free access to the online edition in perpetuity.
"We are delighted about the ASBMB partnership with Springer to develop this encyclopedia," said Barbara Gordon, Executive Director of the ASBMB. "This is a very exciting project, a first in the field, and one that will greatly benefit our members."
The Encyclopedia of Molecular Life Sciences will focus on understanding biological phenomena at the level of molecules and their interactions that govern life processes. Volumes 1 to 4 will focus on genes and genomes, volumes 5 to 8 on protein structure and function, and volumes 9 and 10 on molecular aspects of cell structure and function. Volume 11 will explore unifying concepts and theory from biology, chemistry and physics that are essential for understanding the molecular life sciences and will also include sections on teaching perspectives and assessment tools.
The information provided in the first ten volumes of the encyclopedia will be linked to key journal articles of primary literature and will offer an overview of the fundamental theories and foundational concepts that underpin the science. Each volume will consist of four major sections. In addition to volume editors, each section will have its own editor who is an established expert in the field. Contributions to the encyclopedia will come from leading scientists and educators. The electronic version of the work will provide state-of-the-art functionality and navigation, including electronic supplementary material such as unlimited color images, datasets, simulations, and video and audio features.
ASBMB member J. Ellis Bell from the University of Richmond in the US is Scientific Managing Editor of the work. Bell said, "In an era of increasingly multidisciplinary science, the Encyclopedia of Molecular Life Sciences will provide unprecedented linkage between cutting-edge science and the foundational theories and principles essential for understanding the molecular nature of life processes. It will provide a resource for scientists at all stages of their career."
Henk van der Rijst, Executive Vice-President, Biomedical and Life Sciences at Springer, said, "The Encyclopedia of Molecular Life Sciences is a wonderful addition to Springer's Major Reference Work collection. We welcome the opportunity to work with this tremendously dynamic society on what will be the most prestigious publication in the molecular life sciences. We look forward to contributing to the goals and mission of the ASBMB."
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (www.asbmb.org) is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization with over 12,000 members worldwide. Most members teach and/or conduct research at universities, government laboratories, nonprofit research institutions and industry. Founded in 1906, the Society's purpose is to advance the science of biochemistry and molecular biology through the publication of journals, organization of scientific meetings, advocacy for funding of basic research and education, support of science education at all levels and promoting the diversity of individuals entering the scientific work force.
Springer (www.springer.com) is a leading global scientific publisher of books and journals , delivering quality content through innovative information products and services. It publishes close to 500 academic and professional society journals. Springer is part of the publishing group Springer Science+Business Media. In the science, technology and medicine (STM) sector, the group publishes around 2,000 journals and more than 6,500 new books a year, as well as the largest STM eBook Collection worldwide. Springer has operations in about 20 countries in Europe, the USA, and Asia, and more than 5,000 employees.