In 2020, AAPS published six new books as part of two separate book series: AAPS Advances in the Pharmaceutical Sciences and AAPS Introductions in the Pharmaceutical Sciences, both published in partnership with Springer Nature. The former series was created in 2011 and continues to publish 5-10 new volumes each year. The latter is a newer series, launched in 2018 under the editorship of Robin Zavod, Ph.D.
The Advances book series, which addresses innovations in drug research and development and best practices for scientists in the pharma and biotech industries, was formerly led by Daan Crommelin, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of the Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Robert Lipper, Ph.D, founder of Back Cove Pharma, and is now under the editorship of Yvonne Perrie, Ph.D., University of Strathclyde, Glascow, Scotland. Crommelin and Lipper’s dedication to the series set a high precedent for content and quality, which Perrie has extended into her tenure.
The Introductions book series focuses on the foundations of different established pockets and emerging subfields of the pharmaceutical sciences. Zavod’s vision for the series was to offer resources to scientists who are at the point of knowledge transition—whether it is when shifting between positions, business models, research objectives, or other transitions. The series has published six books as of 2020, with many others in the pipeline.
Crommelin and Lipper focused on developing topics relevant specifically to AAPS members. They garnered feedback from an informal advisory group of peers—to which Crommelin and Lipper extend a “debt of gratitude for their ideas and contributions to the series”—and they actively participated in AAPS meetings and events to gather potential book ideas and build their network of editors and authors.
“A well-written, focused, and clearly structured book is fundamental to developing the skill sets needed to identify and address key research questions,” shared Perrie. She recently created the Advances Editorial Board, which is an international group of scientists in many different subject areas that helps with idea generation and outreach for books in the series.
The book series editors are well-accomplished and committed to AAPS’ mission to advance the capacity of pharmaceutical scientists to develop products and therapies that improve global health. Crommelin had previous experience with international organizations like the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and the European Organization of Pharmaceutical Sciences (EUFEPS), which helped him develop a broad network of pharmaceutical science peers outside his research area. That network was invaluable as a book series editor. Lipper’s experience in research-based pharmaceutical industry gave him an appreciation for the tangible benefits of applying a strong basic science to development challenges, as well as for the importance of staying current with new and evolving technologies. He applied that forward-looking framework to the Advances book series.
Zavod shared that her experience in organizations like the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and AAPS, along with her role as editor-in-chief of the journal Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, prepared her for the Introductions editorship. “The network I built through work and professional associations, along with my experience as an author, reviewer, and editor for other journals, prepared me to be the inaugural editor of this books series.”
In 2019, Zavod welcomed contributions to the Introductions series through the AAPS Communities, and she received very positive feedback from many AAPS members wanting to write or edit a book. After compiling, organizing, and communicating with many potential authors, Zavod set numerous books in motion by matching related topics and connecting potential authors.
Individuals wanting to contribute to a book can reach out to the series editor for advice and networking at any time. Zavod recommends submitting a complete book proposal, with an outline of chapters and authors, to increase your chances of acceptance.
“The key to a great book is the enthusiasm and experience of the author coming through to the reader,” shared Perrie. Lipper opined that “preparing a chapter or editing a volume is a significant commitment, and it can be a challenge to maintain momentum. But once you see the result—a published volume—it is well worth the effort. You have produced something of real value to the pharmaceutical science community.”
In July 2020, Zavod stepped down as editor of this series. Her leadership and vision for the series have paved the way for a successful future. The new editor for this book series will be announced soon.
AAPS offers many ways to broaden your network and find collaborators in preparation for writing or editing a book. Members can use the AAPS Communities, which offer discussion boards and resources for more than 40 scientific and related topic areas. Virtual and in-person meetings are another great way to meet colleagues. Do not miss the rebooted National Biotechnology Conference (NBC) in May 2021.
Both book series offer ebook options on Springer’s dynamic platform, where you can download the whole book or just a chapter, in addition to on-demand printing if you prefer a hard copy. AAPS books are downloaded thousands of times. “An Advances book is typically downloaded from 10,000 times up to 60,000 times. Thus, as an editor/contributor, you help your peers find high quality, relevant information,” said Crommelin and Lipper. The advent of ebook options allows the series to “improve access, discoverability, and enhancement of content and provides an overall value-add,” shared Perrie.
Recent volumes in the series include: Protein Instability at Interfaces During Drug Product Development, Continuous Pharmaceutical Processing, Mucosal Delivery of Drugs and Biologics in Nanoparticles, Pharmaco-complexity, and Essential Pharmaceutics. AAPS members receive a 25% discount by using the code AAPS25 at checkout!
The AAPS Board of Directors and staff send a sincere thank-you to the former and current editors of AAPS’ successful book series.
---------------
Learn More