Coatings (ISSN: 2079-6412) is pleased to present the winner of the Coatings Outstanding Reviewer Award—Dr. Sara Havrlišan.

Dr. Sara Havrlišan is an Assistant Professor at the Mechanical Engineering Faculty in Slavonski Brod, University of Slavonski Brod, Croatia. The research interest of Dr. Sara lies within optimization, thermal sprayng, design and analysis of experiments, Ni-based self-fluxing alloys, flame spraying, and regression modeling.

Dr. Sara Havrlišan completed her undergraduate university study of Production Engineering (Mechanical Engineering Technologies module) at the Mechanical Engineering Faculty in Slavonski Brod in 2010 and attained the Bachelor of Engineering degree. On September 30, 2011, she graduated from the Mechanical Engineering Faculty in Slavonski Brod, defending her graduate thesis “Polymeric Nanocomposites” and earned the academic title of Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering. In December 2017, she defended her PhD thesis “Stochastic approach to modelling and optimization of flame spraying”. Since October 20, 2021, she has been employed as assistant professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering (the Chair of Maintenance and Computer Integrated Manufacturing) at the Mechanical Engineering Faculty in Slavonski Brod, University of Slavonski Brod. She has participated in the implementation of several scientific research projects as well as in the execution of two IPA IV projects. Additionally, she has authored and co-authored multiple scientific papers published in international journals and presented at international conferences. She is the recipient of the University of Slavonski Brod Award in the category of recognizing teaching excellence among the University’s staff and associates: Scientific Potential of Early-Career Teaching Staff.

We welcome you to read the interview below.

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little bit about your fields of interest?
I am an Assistant Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Slavonski Brod, University of Slavonski Brod, Croatia. My research is primarily focused on Design of Experiments (DoE), process modeling and optimization in mechanical engineering, and the application of statistical methods. I have a particular interest in thermal spraying technologies—especially flame spraying and Ni-based self-fluxing alloys as well as in additive manufacturing.

2. When reviewing manuscripts, what aspects do you typically focus on (e.g., originality, methodological rigor, logical structure, ethical compliance, etc.)?
In the peer review process, I place strong emphasis on the originality and scientific contribution of the research. I consider it essential that the methodology is clearly defined, applied, and appropriate for the research objectives, and that the results are carefully analyzed and interpreted. I also pay close attention to the overall structure and clarity of the manuscript as well as to adherence to ethical standards, including proper citation practices and the avoidance of plagiarism. In my view, high-quality scientific work should be transparent, reproducible, and meaningful to the broader research community.

3. For young scholars who are just beginning to participate in peer review, what specific advice would you offer?
I advise young researchers to approach peer review responsibly, objectively, and constructively. It is important to provide clear and well-argued comments that help authors improve their work while also offering an opportunity for learning, expanding knowledge, and professional development. It is also essential to become familiar with the basic ethical principles of peer review and to adhere to professional standards and deadlines.

4. Could you please share with us your experience as a reviewer for Coatings?
My experience as a reviewer for the journal Coatings was very positive. The review process is clearly structured, transparent, and professional, and the reviewer guidelines ensure consistency and high-quality reviews. In my work, I strive to approach reviews responsibly and constructively, with the aim of helping authors improve the quality of their papers. Although occasional time constraints arise due to other professional commitments, I make it a priority to complete reviews within the designated timeframe.

5. As the winner of this award, is there something you want to express or someone to thank most?
I am deeply honored to receive this award, which represents an important recognition of my work and motivates me to continue striving for excellence. I would like to thank the Editorial Board of the journal Coatings for this recognition, as well as my colleagues and collaborators for their support and cooperation, and my institution for providing a motivating environment for scientific research.