The Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (ITPCAS), in partnership with the International Association of Trans-Himalaya Earth System Science (ATH), is pleased to announce the launch of Trans-Himalaya Earth System Science (THESS). Published by KeAi, THESS is an international, fully open-access journal now open for submissions. The journal is led by Editors-in-Chief Prof. Shilong Piao (Peking University, China) and Prof. Andreas Mulch (Senckenberg – Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research, Germany).
The Trans-Himalaya encompasses the Tibetan Plateau and interconnected mountain regions, including the Tien Shan, Pamir, Karakoram, Hindu Kush-Himalaya, Hengduan Shan, Qilian Shan and Altai, as well as their full range of landscapes and environments. Together, these mountains exert a profound influence on regional and global climate, water resources, ecosystems and human societies. However, these mountain systems are undergoing rapid environmental change, altering the interactions and feedbacks that link the atmosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, geosphere and anthroposphere. Understanding these changes requires an integrated Earth system perspective that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries and considers the complex connections within and beyond this vast mountain domain.
Recognising this need, THESS has been established to provide a dedicated journal for high-quality, integrative Earth system science focused on the Trans-Himalaya. At present, research relevant to the region is dispersed across numerous journals, limiting synthesis, reducing cross-disciplinary visibility and constraining effective knowledge exchange. This fragmentation can hinder the integrated scientific understanding needed to inform policy and sustainable management. Commenting on the launch, Prof. Piao said: “The scientific importance of the Trans-Himalaya has grown enormously. We believe the field has now reached the point where it deserves a dedicated international journal that reflects its breadth, scientific excellence and growing global relevance.”
THESS encourages submissions spanning the full breadth of Earth system science, including, but not limited to, climate and atmospheric processes, glaciers and permafrost, hydrology and water resources, ecosystems and biodiversity, tectonics and natural hazards, sustainable development and risk reduction, and interactions across Earth system spheres. The journal welcomes diverse methodological approaches, from field observations and laboratory experiments to remote sensing and modelling. All submissions are expected to provide novel, substantive advances in understanding of the Trans-Himalaya Earth system. THESS will publish both short- and long-form research articles, alongside Reviews, Perspectives, and Commentary.
The Editors-in-Chief are supported by an international Editorial Board and Advisory Board comprising leading scientists working across the Trans-Himalaya. Dr Graham Simpkins (ITPCAS, China) serves as Editorial Advisor, bringing extensive experience in international scientific publishing, including his previous role as the founding Chief Editor of Nature Reviews Earth & Environment.
Beyond providing a publication venue, THESS has a broader mission. Established as a community-led, not-for-profit initiative, THESS aims to connect scientists across disciplines and regions, fostering collaboration while increasing the visibility and practical impact of Trans-Himalaya research. Ultimately, the journal seeks to strengthen this community and advance the scientific understanding needed to address the environmental challenges these mountain regions face. Reflecting this vision, Prof. Mulch said, “Addressing the challenges facing the Trans-Himalaya requires collaboration across disciplines, institutions and nations. We hope THESS will become a meeting point for this international community and a catalyst for new scientific partnerships.”
Researchers interested in submitting their work can find further information about the journal, including its aims and scope and submission guidelines, on the THESS website. As a fully open-access journal, THESS ensures that published research is freely available to researchers, policymakers, and practitioners worldwide, with article processing charges waived for new submissions received before January 2028. THESS warmly welcome submissions from the international research community and looks forward to working with authors to establish the journal as a leading forum for Earth system science across the Trans-Himalaya.
Cover of Trans-Himalaya Earth System Science