Contemporary Physics presents authoritative and lucid introductory review articles on important recent developments in physics. The articles are specially commissioned from experts in their field. The authors aim to review comprehensively the current state of their subject and place it within a broader context of contemporary research, industrial possibilities and applications in an accessible way.

The Journal is of particular use to undergraduates, teachers and lecturers and those starting postgraduate studies who wish to be introduced to a new area. Readers should be able to understand the review without reference to other material, although authors provide a full set of references so that those who wish to explore further can do so. The reviews can also be profitably read by all those who wish to keep abreast of the fields outside their own, or who need an accessible introduction to a new area.

Articles are written for a wide range of readers, whether they be physicists, physical scientists or engineers employed in higher education, teaching, industry or government.

Contemporary Physics also contains a major section devoted to standard book reviews and essay reviews which review books in the context of the general aspects of a field.