The Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers is delighted to confirm the winner of the ALPSP University Press Rising Star Awards 2025: 

Sam Johnson, Assistant Commissioning Editor, Edinburgh University Press 

Awarded for the first time in 2025, the University Press Rising Star Award is kindly sponsored by Publishers’ Licensing Services with the aim of recognizing potential in early careers individuals. The award is open to ALPSP members only and the person making the nomination was asked to outline in no more than 500 words why the person should be considered. 

Sam has been offered a free place to attend ALPSP University Press Redux Conference 2025, in collaboration with Oxford University Press, plus an allowance towards travel and hotel expenses. After the conference, Sam will provide a short report about his experience, which will be published on the ALPSP blog.  

The panel were particularly impressed with the innovation and initiative Sam has demonstrated throughout his time with Edinburgh University Press, particularly in mentorship, being an active member of the team, and championing a publishing internship scheme.   

Wayne Sime, Chief Executive of ALPSP said: 

In a time of significant change for EUP, Sam played a key role in managing transitions, supporting various editorial lists, and mentoring new team members. Promoted twice in three years, Sam is now an assistant commissioning editor, contracting books for EUP's politics list. His adaptability, leadership, and commitment to diversity make him a deserving recipient of the ALPSP University Press  Rising Star Award.

 

ALPSP University Press Redux 2025 will be held at the Mathematical Institute, Oxford, 3-4 April. The University Press Rising Star Award will be presented during the conference.  

For more information about University Press Redux, please visit the ALPSP website.