Hod Lipson Steps Down From ‘3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing’ Journal, Skylar Tibbits Takes Over Role

If you run a business or are a researcher within the 3D printing space, or are simply interested in staying up to date on the latest research and trends within the industry, then you have likely already stumbled upon the peer-reviewed journal called ‘3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing’. The journal, published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., explores emerging opportunities as well as challenges within the industry, ranging from materials, to design tools, to the machines themselves.

Published quarterly, the journal had been headed up by Editor-in-Chief Hod Lipson, who has become one of the top personalities within the 3D printing industry over the last few years. Lipson–who is an associate professor of engineering at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, as well as a co-author of the book ‘Fabricated: The New World of 3D Printing,’ among other major accomplishments in the field of robotics–has announced that he will be stepping down as Editor-in-Chief. This also coincides with a move he will be making from Cornell University to Columbia University this coming summer.

Taking over the reins as Editor-in-Chief, starting with the journal’s September issue, will be Skylar Tibbits, the Director of MIT’s Self-Assembly Lab and faculty at MIT’s Department of Architecture. Tibbits has a resume that’s equally as impressive as Lipson’s, with a laundry list of rewards related to his work within the field of 4D printing, self-assembling robotics and design.

“It is great opportunity to join 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing as the Editor-in-Chief in such an amazing time of rapid development,” said Tibbits. “Advances are emerging across many length scales, research disciplines, and industrial applications. I’m excited for the continued growth of the Journal and to help establish its role as the place for publishing radical advances in the field.”

Tibbits seems like the perfect fit for the journal just like Lipson was, as he’s at the forefront of several bodies of research involving the technology. While Tibbits will be taking the reins from Lipson, Lipson is not leaving the journal altogether. He will remain on board and an integral part of its future as a part of the editorial team as Founding Editor. Both men are considered true visionaries within the fields of robotics and 3D printing, and either one seems quite capable in this role.

It will be interesting to see what kind of influence Tibbits’ experience within the 4D printing space may ultimately have on the direction that the journal will take moving forward. Regardless, I will continue to be a regular reader and look forward to what Tibbits brings to the table. Are you a regular reader of ‘3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing’? What are your thoughts on Lipson being replaced by Tibbits? Discuss in the ‘3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing’ journal forum thread on 3DPB.com