Why Researchers Choose IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control for High-Impact Publications
IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control stands as a cornerstone in the field of engineering, particularly for those advancing knowledge in control theory and systems. Established in 1956 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, this journal has evolved into a globally recognized platform where researchers publish groundbreaking work on automatic control systems. With a rigorous peer-review process and a commitment to excellence, it attracts submissions from top academics worldwide, ensuring that only the most innovative and impactful papers see publication.
The journal's prestige is underscored by its consistent high impact factor of 6.8 as of 2023, reflecting its influence in shaping advancements in automation, robotics, and systems engineering. Researchers value its broad yet focused scope, which encompasses theoretical developments, practical applications, and interdisciplinary approaches to control problems. Whether exploring stability analysis, optimal control, or adaptive systems, contributors find a receptive audience among experts who drive real-world innovations in industries like aerospace, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Publishing here offers more than visibility; it enhances career trajectories by associating authors with a publication that is indexed in leading databases such as Scopus and Web of Science. The journal's editorial board, comprising distinguished scholars, ensures that each article meets the highest standards of scholarship. For early-career researchers, submitting to IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control can be a pivotal step, providing credibility and networking opportunities within the IEEE community.
Beyond academic merit, the journal supports open access options through hybrid models, making research accessible while maintaining subscription-based integrity. Its long history of fostering dialogue between theory and practice makes it indispensable for engineers tackling complex challenges in an increasingly automated world. As control systems integrate deeper into AI and IoT technologies, the relevance of this journal only grows.
To explore how this journal fits into your research journey, consider reviewing higher education job opportunities that value such publications or check the academic calendar for upcoming deadlines. For personalized advice, visit Rate My Professor to connect with mentors in control engineering.
Overview & History
IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control was first published in 1956, originating from the IEEE Group on Automatic Control. It has since become a flagship publication of the IEEE Control Systems Society, chronicling the evolution of control theory from classical methods to modern adaptive and intelligent systems. Over decades, it has documented key milestones, such as the integration of computational tools in control design and the rise of networked control systems. Today, it remains a vital resource, with issues released bimonthly, featuring regular papers, technical notes, and special sections on emerging topics like cyber-physical systems.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The journal covers a wide array of topics in automatic control, emphasizing theoretical foundations and practical implementations. Key areas include linear and nonlinear systems, optimal control, estimation, and system identification. It also addresses applications in robotics, process control, and power systems.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Control Theory | Fundamental principles of feedback, stability, and dynamics. |
| Systems Engineering | Design and analysis of complex interconnected systems. |
| Robotics and Automation | Control strategies for autonomous machines and processes. |
| Signal Processing | Integration with filtering and estimation techniques. |
| Applied Mathematics | Mathematical modeling and optimization in control. |
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2023) | 6.8 | Clarivate Journal Citation Reports. |
| CiteScore (2023) | 12.5 | Scopus-based metric. |
| h-Index | 208 | Reflects citation influence over time. |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 25% | Selective process for quality assurance. |
| Average Citations per Paper | 15.2 | High visibility in the field. |
Indexing and Abstracting
IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control is comprehensively indexed in major databases, ensuring wide discoverability. It appears in Web of Science, Scopus, and Engineering Village, with abstracts available through IEEE Xplore. Additional coverage includes MathSciNet for mathematical aspects and Google Scholar for broader access. This indexing supports metrics tracking and facilitates citations across disciplines.
Publication Model and Fees
The journal operates on a hybrid model, primarily subscription-based with open access options via IEEE's Author Gateway. There are no mandatory article processing charges (APCs) for standard publications; open access incurs a fee of $2,195. Page charges are $110 per page for the first nine pages, encouraging concise writing. This structure balances accessibility with sustainability, allowing institutions to subscribe while authors retain copyright under IEEE policies.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled through the ScholarOne Manuscripts platform at IEEE Xplore. Authors must prepare manuscripts in double-column IEEE format, limited to 12 pages for regular papers. Guidelines emphasize originality, with plagiarism checks via iThenticate. The process involves initial screening, peer review by 3-4 experts, and revisions, typically taking 4-6 months from submission to decision.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board features luminaries like Editor-in-Chief Alessandro Astolfi from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, alongside associate editors from MIT, Stanford, and ETH Zurich. Their expertise spans adaptive control, nonlinear dynamics, and applications in aerospace. This diverse, international team ensures balanced, high-quality reviews and shapes the journal's direction toward cutting-edge research.
Why Publish in IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control?
Publishing in this journal elevates research profiles due to its rigorous standards and global readership. It offers rapid dissemination through IEEE Xplore, with DOIs for immediate citability. Authors benefit from visibility in a community that influences policy and industry standards. For those in engineering, it signifies excellence, often boosting funding and collaboration opportunities. The journal's focus on impactful, reproducible work aligns with modern research imperatives.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Focus | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatica | 6.3 | Broader control and systems | Elsevier |
| Systems & Control Letters | 2.8 | Short communications | Elsevier |
| Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics | 2.5 | Aerospace applications | AIAA |
| Control Engineering Practice | 5.4 | Practical implementations | Elsevier |
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, align your work with the journal's emphasis on novelty and rigor. Clearly articulate contributions in the abstract, using simulations or experiments to validate claims. Address reviewer concerns thoroughly in revisions. Collaborate with board members for pre-submission feedback. Track trends via recent issues on the official site. Finally, proofread for IEEE style compliance to avoid delays. For career enhancement, explore academic jobs that prioritize such publications.