Minerals Editorial: Greetings from the Editor-in-Chief

Dear readers, authors, reviewers, editors, coworkers and staff of Minerals,

It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I step into the role of Editor-in-Chief for the esteemed journal, Minerals [1]. This journal has been essential in the realm of fundamental and applied mineralogy, crystallography, geochemistry, and petrology, offering a platform for groundbreaking research and advancements in the field. I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself and share with you some personal thoughts.

Driven by a youthful quest for mineralogy and chemistry, I studied geochemistry at the Geology Faculty of Lomonosov Moscow State University, and I later specialized in crystallography, with an emphasis on structural analysis, at the Department of Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry. After graduation from university in 1983, I worked for about ten years at the Institute of Geology of Ore Deposits, Petrology, Mineralogy, and Geochemistry (IGEM) of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR. In parallel with working at IGEM in the Laboratory of Thermal Analysis, I prepared and defended my PhD thesis in 1986 at the Moscow State University, which was dedicated to theoretical modeling mineral crystal structures. In 1994, I moved to Sweden to work at the Geocentrum of Uppsala University, participating in the building of one of the first in ultra-high-pressure geochemistry laboratories in Europe. In 2001, the development of my career led me to Germany, where I joined the Bavarian Research Institute of Experimental Geochemistry and Geophysics (BGI) at the University of Bayreuth. Here, I earned my Professor title and became Akademischer Direktor, which I have been ever since. Over the years, my scientific interests have focused on the mineralogy of Earth and planetary interiors, building instruments and the development methodology of extreme conditions crystallography, the synthesis of novel materials, and studying their properties in diamond anvil cells. For at least the last five years, I have been involved with Minerals as an author, referee, and board member.

Many modern branches of natural sciences are rooted in mineralogy (to mention a few—crystallography, solid state physics, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry, etc.). In our day, the multidisciplinary nature of our field demands a comprehensive understanding of the Earth’s materials and their applications. I aspire to steer Minerals toward embracing the emerging trends, emphasizing new methodologies, and pushing the boundaries of conventional knowledge.

Building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors, I am committed to maintaining the journal’s high standards and fostering an environment that encourages innovation, rigor, and the dissemination of cutting-edge findings. Fast and visible publications, as well as economic aspects are important aspects of journal functioning, but for me, interesting and solid science is a priority. My vision is to further elevate Minerals as a global hub for the exchange of knowledge, facilitating the collaboration of diverse perspectives and expertise.

I encourage researchers, academicians, and professionals to share their insightful contributions, driving the exploration and understanding of minerals and their significance in our world. Your invaluable research and dedication are the lifeblood of this journal, and I am eager to work collaboratively to bring your discoveries to our global audience. I look forward to working alongside our esteemed editorial board, reviewers, and authors to uphold the journal’s integrity and steady progress.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and I anticipate an exciting journey ahead, marked by innovation, discovery, and the dissemination of knowledge.