Prof. Dr. Miguel Rubi Appointed Section Editor-in-Chief of Section “Thermodynamics” in Entropy

We are pleased to announce that Prof. Dr. Miguel Rubi, a professor at the University of Barcelona, Spain, has been appointed Section Editor-in-Chief of the Section “Thermodynamics” in Entropy (ISSN: 1099-4300).

In 2003, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation awarded Prof. Dr. Rubi the von Humboldt Prize, and in 2003, the University of Trondheim awarded him the Onsager Medal. He was appointed CAS Fellow 2007/2008 by the Centre for Advanced Study at the Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Letters. In 2010, the Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis awarded him an ICREA Prize. He has been appointed Onsager Professor at the University of Trondheim, Sandoval Vallarta Professor at UAM, Marcos Moshinsky Professor at UNAM, and Institute of Physics Professor at San Luis Potosí of Mexico. In 2012 and 2013, he was a Visiting Professor at CETHIL-INSA, Lyon, and in 2014, he was a Visiting Professor at L’École Polytechnique, Paris. Prof. Dr. Rubi was appointed Leverhulme Professor at Imperial College, London, in 2013–2014. In 2016, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology NTNU awarded him the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa. In 2017, the Jagiellonian University at Krakow awarded him the ’Plus Ratio Quam Vis Medal’.

The following is a Q&A with Prof. Dr. Miguel Rubi, who shared his vision for the journal with us, as well as his views of the research area and open access publishing:

1. What aspects of the journal appealed to you and motivated you to accept the role of Section Editor-in-Chief?

Several aspects of the journal motivated me to accept the role of Section Editor-in-Chief. I was drawn to the journal's interdisciplinary approach, which enables the exploration of diverse topics and perspectives. Furthermore, I was excited about the opportunity to contribute to the editorial process and help shape the direction of the journal. Finally, I was impressed by the journal's commitment to fostering collaboration and dialogue within the research community, and I saw the role of Section Editor-in-Chief as a means to further facilitate these connections. Overall, I believe that my background and expertise align well with the goals and vision of the journal, and I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve in this capacity. My research interests are in the field of non-equilibrium statistical physics and its application in biology and nanoscience.

2. What is your vision for the Section “Thermodynamics”, and what goals would you like to achieve during your tenure?

My vision for the Section “Thermodynamics” is to create a dynamic platform that serves as a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation in the field of thermodynamics. During my tenure, I aim to achieve several goals:

1. Promote Interdisciplinary Research: I intend to encourage interdisciplinary collaborations and foster dialogue between researchers from various disciplines. By promoting interdisciplinary research, we can explore new frontiers and address complex challenges in thermodynamics;
2. Enhance Visibility and Impact: I strive to elevate the visibility and impact of the “Thermodynamics” Section by attracting high-quality submissions and publishing innovative and influential research articles. By maintaining rigorous editorial standards and providing timely and constructive feedback to authors, we can ensure the publication of impactful research that advances the field;
3. Foster diversity and inclusivity: I am committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the Section by actively seeking contributions from researchers with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. By embracing diversity, we can enrich the scientific discourse and foster a more inclusive research community;
4. Engage with the Research Community: I plan to actively engage with the research community through various channels, including social media, conferences, and workshops. By fostering open communication and collaboration, we can build a strong research community that drives innovation and advances our understanding of thermodynamics.

Overall, my goal for the Section is to create an inclusive and forward-thinking environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and excellence in thermodynamics research. I look forward to working with authors, reviewers, and Editorial Board Members to achieve these goals and elevate the “Thermodynamics” Section to new heights.

3. In your opinion, what does the future of research in this field look like, and what emerging trends do you anticipate?

The future of research in the field of thermodynamics holds exciting possibilities, with several emerging trends. One prominent trend is the increasing integration of thermodynamics with other scientific disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach is enabling researchers to explore complex phenomena at the intersection of multiple fields, leading to new insights and discoveries.

Additionally, there is a growing focus on nanoscale and mesoscale thermodynamics, driven by advancements in nanotechnology and materials science. Researchers are investigating the thermodynamic properties of nanomaterials, nanofluids, and nanostructures, as well as exploring their potential applications in energy conversion and thermal management.

Furthermore, sustainable energy technologies are becoming increasingly important in thermodynamics research, as the world seeks to address climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This includes the development of efficient and renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, as well as the optimization of energy storage and conversion systems.

Another emerging trend is the exploration of thermodynamics in non-equilibrium systems, where traditional thermodynamic principles may not apply. Researchers are studying the thermodynamics of far-from-equilibrium systems, such as biological processes, active matter, and quantum systems, and developing new theoretical frameworks to describe their behavior.

Overall, the future of research in thermodynamics promises to be dynamic and multidisciplinary, with continued advancements in nanotechnology, sustainable energy, and non-equilibrium thermodynamics. By embracing these emerging trends and fostering collaboration across disciplines, researchers can address complex challenges and drive innovation in the field.

4. How do you perceive the development and impact of open access in the publishing field?

I perceive the development and impact of open access in the field of thermodynamics to be highly beneficial. Open access publishing has democratized access to scientific knowledge by removing financial barriers and allowing researchers from around the world to freely access and share research findings. This has led to the greater dissemination of research results, increased collaboration among researchers, and accelerated the pace of scientific discovery in thermodynamics.

Furthermore, open access publishing has enhanced the visibility and impact of research in thermodynamics by making it more accessible to a wider audience. This increased visibility could lead to the greater recognition and citation of research articles, ultimately advancing the careers of researchers and promoting the advancement of the field.

Moreover, open access publishing promotes transparency and reproducibility in scientific research by making research articles freely available for scrutiny and verification by the scientific community. This helps to ensure the integrity and reliability of research findings in thermodynamics and fosters trust in the scientific process.

Prof. Dr. Miguel Rubi joined the Entropy Editorial Board in 2016. We wish him every success in his new position and look forward to his contributions to the journal.