Foundations of Physics: A Journal of Fundamental Theory and Cosmology
In the pursuit of understanding the universe, the conceptual framework behind physical laws is as critical as the observations themselves. Foundations of Physics is a monthly peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the conceptual bases and fundamental theories of modern physics and cosmology. Rather than focusing solely on experimental data, the publication emphasizes the logical, methodological, and philosophical premises that underpin modern physical theories and procedures.
The journal serves as a multidisciplinary hub for researchers exploring the deepest questions of existence, covering a vast array of fields including quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, special and general relativity, string theory, M-theory, cosmology, thermodynamics, statistical physics, and quantum gravity.
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Key Facts
- Established: 1970
- Publisher: Springer
- Frequency: Monthly
- Current Editor-in-Chief: Carlo Rovelli (appointed February 2016)
- 2021 Impact Factor: 1.276
- Focus: Conceptual and philosophical foundations of modern physics
Editorial History and Leadership
Since its inception in 1970, the journal has been guided by some of the most influential minds in science. It was founded by Henry Margenau and Wolfgang Yourgrau. Over the decades, its editorial board has featured a prestigious roster of scientists, including several Nobel laureates such as Louis de Broglie, Robert H. Dicke, Murray Gell-Mann, Abdus Salam, Ilya Prigogine, and Nathan Rosen.
A significant transition occurred in January 2007 when Nobel laureate Gerard 't Hooft became the editor-in-chief. During his tenure, the journal absorbed Foundations of Physics Letters, a companion journal for shorter submissions that had been edited by Alwyn Van der Merwe since 1988. In February 2016, the leadership passed to the current editor-in-chief, Carlo Rovelli.
The Einstein–Cartan–Evans Controversy
The journal's commitment to scientific rigor is evidenced by its handling of the Einstein–Cartan–Evans theory. Between 2003 and 2005, Foundations of Physics Letters published a series of papers by Myron W. Evans, which claimed to render established results of general relativity and quantum field theory obsolete. In 2008, Editor-in-Chief Gerard 't Hooft published an editorial explicitly distancing the journal from this theory.
Indexing and Academic Reach
To ensure global visibility and accessibility, Foundations of Physics is indexed across a wide array of prestigious databases. This allows researchers to locate critical theoretical work through various academic portals, ranging from the Science Citation Index to specialized repositories like the Astrophysics Data System and INSPIRE-HEP.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| ISSN (Print/Web) | 0015-9018 / 1572-9516 |
| ISO 4 Abbreviation | Found. Phys. |
| OCLC Number | 1569928 |
| Impact Factor (2021) | 1.276 |
| Publication Cycle | Monthly |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of Foundations of Physics?
The journal focuses on the conceptual bases and fundamental theories of modern physics and cosmology, with a strong emphasis on the philosophical, logical, and methodological premises of physical theories.
Who is the current editor-in-chief?
Carlo Rovelli has served as the editor-in-chief since February 2016.
Which scientific fields are covered in the journal?
It publishes work across all fields of physics, specifically including quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, general and special relativity, string theory, M-theory, cosmology, thermodynamics, statistical physics, and quantum gravity.
What happened to Foundations of Physics Letters?
Foundations of Physics Letters, which focused on shorter submissions, was absorbed into the main Foundations of Physics journal in 2007 under the leadership of Gerard 't Hooft.
Where can the journal be found in academic databases?
It is indexed in numerous databases including Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Citation Index, Mathematical Reviews, and the Astrophysics Data System, among others.