Charles Wilkins has been appointed as the new chief editor of International Journal of Analytical Chemistry.

The International Journal of Analytical Chemistry publishes original research articles that report new experimental results and methods, especially in relation to important analytes, difficult matrices, and topical samples. Investigations may be fundamental, or else related to specific applications; examples being biological, environmental and food testing, and analysis in chemical synthesis and materials processing.

As well as original research, the International Journal of Analytical Chemistry also publishes focused review articles that examine the state of the art, identify emerging trends, and suggest future directions for developing fields.

Wilkins has served on the editorial boards of a number of traditional chemistry journals, including Mass Spectrometry Reviews (25 years), Analytical Chemistry (two terms), Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry (two five-year terms) and Applied Spectroscopy Reviews (since 1991). 

Wilkins has served at the University of Arkansas as Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry since fall of 1998. He has a particular research interest in the development of Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) as a rapid, specific, and sensitive analytical tool, especially for high mass analysis. 

As chief editor, Wilkins will be involved in triaging all submissions and approving the final decision on all manuscripts published in the journal. Professor Wilkins will also develop the journal by encouraging high-quality submissions and increasing its visibility within the research community. 

On becoming chief editor for the journal, Wilkins states:

"I am pleased to introduce myself as the newly appointed chief editor for the International Journal of Analytical Chemistry. Because open access journals such as this one have an important role to play in modern science communication, I am especially excited to be able to contribute in this role. My experience on the boards of other chemistry journals has given me a broad perspective on high quality communication of research results, which I intend to bring to International Journal of Analytical Chemistry as chief editor. It is my goal to continue to apply the high standards set by the journals mentioned above to this journal, and to encourage analytical chemists across the world to submit their best work for publication."