Insects | Interview with Section Editor-in-Chief Prof. Guido Favia on His Vision for the “Medical and Livestock Entomology” Section
We are pleased to share an exclusive interview with Prof. Guido Favia, the new Section Editor-in-Chief (SEiC) for Medical and Livestock Entomology in Insects (ISSN 2075-4450).
Prof. Guido Favia is a Professor of Parasitology, School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Italy. He received his PhD degree from Sapienza University of Rome, Italy. His research has focused on mosquito-borne diseases and symbiotic control, and he has published extensively in the field.
1. Welcome, Prof. Favia! As a leading figure in insect symbiosis and vector control, you have a strong international reputation. What motivated you to take on the role of SEiC for the “Medical and Livestock Entomology” Section?
First of all, thank you for describing me as a “leading figure”. Regarding the question itself, the reasons lie in several interconnected factors, primarily the importance of scientific publishing. Publishing an article is not merely the final step of a research process; it is also, and I would argue above all, a means of communicating significant findings to the scientific community and the wider public. Furthermore, medical and livestock entomology is a field of considerable importance for public health, socioeconomic issues, and environmental stewardship. Raising awareness of this significance is therefore crucial. Finally, I believe that one of the responsibilities of an experienced researcher is to foster scientific communication by promoting high-quality research and publications.
2. What are your specific goals for the “Medical and Livestock Entomology” Section in the next 1–2 years? Do you plan to launch Special Issues focusing on specific areas within the Section?
The primary objective is to select articles of significant scientific interest and quality, ensuring the continued development and scientific standing of the Section. At the same time, I aim to bring together a core group of highly qualified researchers and research teams who regard the journal, and this Section in particular, as a valuable platform for scientific communication. The possibility of launching a couple of Special Issues is already under consideration. I am currently exploring topics related to symbiont-based vector control and invasive species surveillance.
3. What special significance do you see for MDPI’s open access model in accelerating scientific discoveries and their translation into public health policies?
They are of paramount importance! Open access publishing models have become indispensable because they accelerate the dissemination of research findings, make scientific knowledge accessible to the widest possible audience, and have the potential to inform policy decisions, particularly in areas related to public health, environmental protection, and biodiversity conservation.
4. Do you have a specific recommendation or advice for authors submitting to the “Medical and Livestock Entomology” Section? For example, what is the most important quality you look for in a paper?
Some of my recommendations are general in nature, but no less important: focus on the originality of the research and the potential impact of the findings. Clearly identify the central message of the study and avoid overly lengthy discussions that may distract readers from its main implications. Originality, clarity, and logical progression between Sections are essential elements of a strong scientific manuscript. I value both descriptive research and studies aimed at identifying biological mechanisms and functions. Just as there are different musical genres, and one can produce either excellent or poor music in jazz, blues, or country, there can be outstanding purely descriptive studies as well as rather weak studies investigating specific biological mechanisms or functions. What ultimately matters is the scientific quality of the work and, above all, the originality of the research and the way it is presented.
We look forward to working closely with Prof. Favia and appreciate his commitment to advancing the quality and impact of the “Medical and Livestock Entomology” Section in Insects.
For more information about our editorial board, please visit https://www.mdpi.com/journal/insects/sectioneditors/medical_and_livestock_entomology.
Insects Editorial Office