The Gels Best Paper Award is granted annually to highlight publications of high quality, scientific significance, and extensive influence.

We spoke with Dr. Helena Herrada-Manchón, winner of the Gels 2023 Best Paper Award, to hear her opinions and ask about her experiences with scientific research and awards.

Name: Dr. Helena Herrada-Manchón
Affiliation: Fundación IDONIAL, Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Gijón, 33203 Gijón, Spain
Research interests: 3D printing; rheology; hydrogel; extrusion; bioprinting

The following is a short interview with Dr. Helena Herrada-Manchón:

1. What is your main area of research, and what motivated you to focus on this field?
My main area of research is the development of hydrogels for 3D printing applications. I have been working in additive manufacturing since 2017 and quickly recognized the importance of understanding the rheological properties of materials and how they influence the printing process. This led me to focus on the formulation and evaluation of biomaterials and bioinks specifically for semi-solid extrusion technologies. With a background in pharmaceutical sciences and materials science, and experience in excipients, rheological characterization, and material analysis, I have oriented my research towards supporting the development of high-performance inks. My goal is to help other researchers achieve optimal results tailored to their specific needs in their own research projects.

2. Can you briefly summarize the key findings and significance of your recent paper?
Our recent paper focuses on the fundamental role that rheology plays in extrusion-based 3D printing of hydrogels. We highlight how key rheological properties, such as shear thinning, thixotropy, and viscoelasticity, directly impact printability, shape fidelity, and overall performance. The paper aims to clarify core rheological concepts and testing methods, helping researchers better understand and interpret results when formulating bioinks. Overall, it serves as a practical guide for optimizing printing processes and improving the quality of hydrogel-based 3D printed structures.

3. Which research areas do you believe will become priorities in your field over the next few years?
I believe that the application of artificial intelligence to optimize both printing parameters and the formulation of biomaterials and bioinks will become a major priority. This approach could significantly support the standardization of both products and processes. Additionally, the field of bioprinting will continue to expand, with a strong focus on improving materials and increasing the biological complexity of 3D-printed constructs—particularly in addressing challenges such as vascularization and innervation in tissue models.

4. What skills or qualities do you think are most important for early-career researchers today?
I believe resilience is essential. Research is often a slow and demanding process, so patience and persistence are key. It is also important to take the time to think critically, write thoughtfully, and draw your own conclusions from the results, rather than rushing through the process. While generative AI tools can be useful, especially for non-native English speakers to polish language or improve clarity, it is crucial not to rely on them to do the work for you. The ideas and conclusions must come from the researcher. After all, it is your work, and that is what you are ultimately sharing with the world.

5. What does receiving this award mean to you, and is there anyone you would like to acknowledge?
I am especially excited to receive this award, particularly for a paper on rheology, a topic that I feel is often overlooked and underappreciated, despite its powerful role in 3D printing. It is a field I am truly passionate about, so this recognition means a lot. I would like to thank all my colleagues at our bIDOlab, with whom I am lucky to work every day, and of course, my co-authors and PhD advisors, for their constant support, guidance, and willingness to listen and help throughout this journey.

6. What made you choose Gels as the journal for your submission?
I published one of my first papers in Gels back in 2022 and had an excellent experience. I found the journal to be very comprehensive, covering all aspects and types of gels. The review, acceptance, and publication process were smooth, with clear and responsive communication throughout. At the time of this second submission, I was also serving as Guest Editor of a Special Issue, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to promote the issue, especially since I believed it addressed highly relevant topics in the field of hydrogel 3D printing. I wanted to lead by example, and in the end, the article turned out to be a great success.

7. In your opinion, how does open access publishing benefit researchers and the scientific community?
Open access ensures that information and knowledge are freely available to everyone, which supports the advancement of science and promotes equal access to knowledge. It is especially valuable for researchers who may be working outside of universities or large institutions and cannot afford the subscription fees of major publishers. Open access helps level the playing field and allows more people to engage with and build upon scientific work.

8. What has been the biggest challenge in your research, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges has been building our research activity within a small, relatively new laboratory that operates as part of a technological centre—a non-profit private entity, which is not a typical figure in academic research environments. It has taken time and effort to find our place in the research community, but through consistent work and dedication, we are gradually gaining the recognition we deserve. This has allowed us to apply for new projects and further develop our research line with greater confidence and visibility.

9. What are your further research plans?
In our lab, we plan to continue developing biomaterial inks and bioinks for various applications in research and healthcare. We believe this is a field where our expertise can truly support other researchers, especially those who are just starting out in 3D bioprinting. There is still a great deal of work to be performed in advancing materials for this technology, and we are excited to contribute to that progress.

10. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Gels. What suggestions and expectations do you have for us?
Gels is a very accessible journal, and the Special Issues are always engaging and well-targeted. I also appreciate the continued support through publication vouchers, which are especially helpful for research groups with limited funding who may not be able to afford open access fees. My hope is that the journal maintains its standards in terms of quality and scientific content, while continuing to ensure that the review process is efficient and constructive—for both authors and reviewers. Keep promoting good science and accessibility for all!