Akasofu Named One of Most Cited Authors

Submitted by Vicki Daniels
Phone: (907) 474-5823
07/03/02

The American Society of Information Science recently named Syun-Ichi Akasofu as one of the most cited authors of scientific literature. Akasofu, 71, is the director of the International Arctic Research Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He is one of the world’s experts on the aurora borealis, having studied the phenomenon for more than 40 years. Akasofu is now included on the American Society of Information Science’s list of highly cited researchers, which is based on publications that feature important scientific developments of the last two decades. Less than one percent of all published researchers earn the distinction.

"I am pleased that fellow researchers pay attention to my papers by either agreeing or disagreeing with my findings," Akasofu said. "The number of papers one publishes is one thing, but it is another thing that they are cited by fellow researchers."

In addition to the dozens of articles he has written for scientific journals, Akasofu is also the author of works of a less technical nature, including the recently released "Secrets of the Aurora Borealis" published by Alaska Geographic, and the upcoming book "Exploring the Secrets of the Aurora," to be published by Kluwer Academic Publishers.

For more information, contact Science Writer Ned Rozell at (907) 474-7468 or International Arctic Research Center Director Syun-Ichi Akasofu at (907) 474-6012.