Meet the CSAB: Professor & Chairman Jörg-Rüdiger Sack
Welcome to a new series on the Scopus blog, featuring the Scopus Content Selection and Advisory Board (CSAB). The CSAB is an international and editorially independent group of scientists, researchers and librarians who represent the major scientific disciplines. Using strict title selection criteria, these experts determine whether journals are eligible for indexing in Scopus, and they continually re-evaluate these titles to make sure quality is maintained.
Throughout this series, we will introduce you to different board members, offering insights into their roles within the CSAB and exploring their perspectives on the purpose of the board.
Chancellor’s Professor & Chairman Jörg-Rüdiger Sack
Carleton University
Canada
CSAB Chair – Computer Science
Professor Jörg Sack is a distinguished academic researcher with a career spanning over four decades in the field of computer science. He has made significant contributions to the development of data structures and fast, efficient algorithms for various problems, particularly those involving geometric structures and their analysis. His work has found applications in fields like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and navigation systems, making everyday tasks like finding directions more efficient.
Unlike traditional navigation systems that focus on road networks, Professor Sack’s research extends to off-road scenarios with applications e.g., in search and rescue missions in challenging terrains like mountains. He also considers safety as a crucial factor, not just speed, and energy efficiency when computing routes. This is essential in situations where finding the safest path is critical.
Professor Sack’s work has had a significant impact in various domains, including engineering, medicine, and even cultural tool development. His expertise lies in solving weighted shortest path problems efficiently, ensuring that the paths provided are not only fast but also of high quality, which is vital in real-life applications.
He has been a member of key decision-making committees for international and national (NSERC) funding agencies. E.g., he considered it an honor to serve on excellence initiative panels for the DFG and the German Council of Science and Humanities. He served as Science Advisor to the German Embassy, Ottawa, to foster scientific collaboration between German and Canadian academic institutions and to establish the German-Canadian Centre for Innovation and Research.
Apart from his academic achievements, Professor Sack has a profound interest in the joy of knowledge acquisition. He finds great satisfaction in observing the learning process, particularly in the context of his granddaughter's development. He emphasizes the importance of nurturing a sense of curiosity and excitement in learning, even as people grow older.
In addition to his academic and personal interests, Professor Sack has been actively involved in the Scopus Content Selection and Advisory Board (CSAB) for over two decades. He played a crucial role in the development of Scopus and his extensive experience on the CSAB has made him a repository of institutional memory. He strongly believes in the importance of academic experts shaping the selection of titles in academic databases like Scopus, ensuring their quality and relevance for researchers, research administrators, and governments.
Professor Sack recognizes the challenges presented by the ever-expanding landscape of academic publications and the need for tools like Scopus to help researchers find trusted sources efficiently. His dedication to the board's work is rooted in his commitment to maintain the independence and integrity of academic decision-making. He underscores the importance of considering diverse perspectives and regions when evaluating scientific research.
As a board chair, Professor Sack takes pride in leading meetings and upholding academic rigor while fostering collaboration among diverse academic experts. He views the CSAB board as a well-coordinated group working toward a common goal in academic publishing, and he thoroughly enjoys his role in ensuring the highest standards in decision-making.
Professor Sack’s contributions to computer science, his passion for knowledge acquisition, and his dedication to maintaining academic integrity in the digital age make him a noteworthy figure in the field. His work continues to shape the way we access and assess academic knowledge in a world of expanding information.