Amsterdam University Press
A Scholarly Publisher's Journey: An in-depth exploration of its mission, scope, and impact.
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About AUP
Academic Foundation
Amsterdam University Press (AUP) was established in 1992 by the University of Amsterdam (UvA) in the Netherlands. Initially operating under the university press model as a not-for-profit entity, it has since transitioned to a private, for-profit status as of 2019. AUP is dedicated to publishing scholarly and trade titles, serving both Dutch and international academic communities.
Global Reach & Focus
AUP publishes extensively in both Dutch and English, with a strong emphasis on the humanities and social sciences. Prior to a significant backlist sale in 2025, its catalog comprised over 1400 titles. The press also actively engages in open access publishing, releasing multiple scholarly journals and books through this model.
Recent Developments
In 2019, the University of Amsterdam divested AUP, selling it to a private owner who retained the right to use the university's name and logo. More recently, in 2025, AUP sold a substantial portion of its English academic book list to the for-profit publisher Taylor & Francis. This move prompted resignations from several series editors who voiced concerns about the commercialization of publicly funded scholarship.
Core Objectives
Rigorous Peer Review
A cornerstone of AUP's publishing process is its commitment to academic rigor. All submissions undergo a stringent peer-review system, where manuscripts are meticulously evaluated by an editorial board composed of expert scholars from Dutch and Flemish universities. This ensures the quality and validity of the research published.
Championing Open Access
Amsterdam University Press is a strong proponent of open access principles. The press actively supports open access models through various initiatives, including the use of repositories and print-on-demand services, alongside traditional printing methods. AUP is also a participant in the Knowledge Unlatched pilot, a collaborative effort by libraries worldwide to fund open access books.
Collaborative Publishing
AUP embraces collaborative approaches to academic publishing. By participating in initiatives like Knowledge Unlatched, AUP aims to make scholarly works more accessible and sustainable. This model fosters a community-driven approach to disseminating knowledge, benefiting both authors and readers.
Areas of Publishing
Humanities & Social Sciences
AUP's publishing program traditionally covers a broad spectrum of academic disciplines. Its core strengths lie in the humanities and social sciences, encompassing fields such as:
- Language and Literature
- Archaeology
- Cultural Studies
- Film and Media Studies
- Art and Art History
- Music and Theatre Studies
- Asian Studies
Educational Publishing
Beyond specialized academic research, AUP also maintains a significant presence in educational publishing. This includes the production of textbooks and resources tailored for both secondary (high school) and higher education levels. The press also engages in popular science writing, making complex topics accessible to a wider audience.
Scholarly Journals
AUP publishes a portfolio of scholarly journals, many of which operate under an open access model. These journals serve as vital platforms for disseminating cutting-edge research and fostering academic discourse within their respective fields. Previously, AUP published the Academische Boekengids (Academic Book Guide), featuring book reviews from university editors.
Dedicated Imprints
Vossiuspers UvA
Vossiuspers UvA is an imprint dedicated to publishing the scholarly output of the University of Amsterdam. This includes the works of UvA's faculty members and all inaugural lectures delivered by its professors, providing a platform for institutional academic contributions.
Pallas Publications
Launched in 2004, Pallas Publications offers a specialized service for authors, institutions, and organizations. This imprint facilitates the comprehensive process of academic publication, covering production, distribution, and promotion for a wide range of scholarly works.
Notable Works
Key Publications
Amsterdam University Press has published a diverse range of influential academic titles. Among its notable works is:
- Islam on the Move by Farish A. Noor.
This publication exemplifies AUP's commitment to exploring significant global topics within the social sciences and humanities.
External Resources
Official Channels
Explore further information directly from Amsterdam University Press and related academic resources:
- Official Website: en.aup.nl
- University of Amsterdam: Information about the founding institution.
- Authority Control Databases: Links to international and national databases for further academic identification.
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References
References
- Contact, Amsterdam University Press. Retrieved on 21 June 2016.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily the Wikipedia article on Amsterdam University Press, and may not be entirely comprehensive, up-to-date, or reflect the most current operational status or strategic decisions of the publisher.
This is not professional advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for direct consultation with Amsterdam University Press, the University of Amsterdam, or qualified academic publishing professionals. Always refer to official sources for the most accurate and current information.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.