Environmental & Public Health Research | ACS

The landscape of environmental health research has shifted as Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP), a highly respected journal, transitions from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) to the American Chemical Society (ACS) Publications. This move, while presented as a continuation of a vital scientific resource, is a direct consequence of funding cuts enacted in April 2025, signaling a broader trend of governmental divestment from direct scientific publishing and a reliance on alternative models.

For 50 years, EHP has been a cornerstone of research at the intersection of environmental factors and human health, boasting a significant Impact Factor of 9.8. The decision to “donate” the journal through the Federal Surplus Property Program, rather than simply shutter it, underscores the journal’s importance and the NIH’s desire to ensure its continuation. The selection of ACS as the recipient wasn’t arbitrary; the society’s established infrastructure and commitment to scientific rigor made it a logical choice. This is the first time ACS Publications has taken ownership of a journal through this type of government transfer, highlighting the unusual circumstances driving this change.

The environmental health community understandably expressed concern when the funding cuts were announced. Editor-in-Chief Joel D. Kaufman notes the outpouring of support, even from those whose work hadn’t been accepted for publication – a testament to the journal’s central role in the field. ACS proactively sought input from authors, reviewers, and editors during the proposal process, and the overwhelmingly positive response solidified their decision to move forward.

However, the transition isn’t without potential challenges. The shift from Diamond to Gold open access, while aiming to ensure long-term financial sustainability, could create barriers for researchers lacking institutional support or funding for article processing charges. ACS’s commitment to waiving fees through 2026 is a crucial step to mitigate this, but the long-term impact on accessibility and author participation will need careful monitoring.

The Forward Look

The acquisition of EHP by ACS is more than just a change in publisher; it’s a bellwether for the future of scientific publishing. We can anticipate increased scrutiny of government funding for scientific journals and a continued trend toward non-governmental organizations assuming greater responsibility for disseminating research. The success of this transition will hinge on ACS’s ability to maintain the journal’s rigorous standards, ensure equitable access for authors, and navigate the complexities of the evolving open-access landscape. Specifically, watch for these developments:

• Manuscript Submission Reopening: ACS aims to reopen submissions early this year. The volume and quality of submissions will be a key indicator of the community’s confidence in the journal’s future.
• Open Access Model Implementation: The transition to Gold open access in 2027 will be closely watched. ACS’s success in securing institutional agreements and managing author fees will be critical.
• Potential for Similar Transfers: If this transfer proves successful, other government-funded journals facing budgetary pressures could follow a similar path, potentially reshaping the scientific publishing ecosystem.

The future of EHP under ACS ownership is poised to be a case study in adapting to a changing scientific publishing landscape, one increasingly defined by financial constraints and the pursuit of sustainable, accessible research dissemination.